1
as in impoverished
lacking money or material possessions
many families were left destitute by the horrible fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devoid
utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected
a lingering drought and a sky destitute of rain clouds
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destitute
So there's a real tug-of-war between being grateful, and feeling destitute and rudderless.
—
Bill Chappell, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
After years of war and revolution, Nicaragua was destitute; there was no money for street signs.
—Tim Golden, ProPublica, 13 Jan. 2025
That was, until big-hearted border officers took in these destitute immigrants, who found new lives in America as Selma and Lieu, Petunia and Peanut, Cupid, Penelope, Selena and Floyd.
—Lauren Villagran, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025
America will be destitute without us.
—Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for destitute
Bill Chappell, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
After years of war and revolution, Nicaragua was destitute; there was no money for street signs.
—Tim Golden, ProPublica, 13 Jan. 2025
That was, until big-hearted border officers took in these destitute immigrants, who found new lives in America as Selma and Lieu, Petunia and Peanut, Cupid, Penelope, Selena and Floyd.
—Lauren Villagran, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025
America will be destitute without us.
—Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for destitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destitute
Adjective
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Pope Francis was the first pope to take the name of St. Francis of Assisi, well-known for his call for engagement with the impoverished, love of creation and the Church.—
Gabriele Regalbuto,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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The dedication to care for impoverished women and children continues to influence the culture and values of Mercy today.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.—
Michael Abbott,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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But nothing has come to fruition yet because Robert's poor play has tanked his trade value.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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Some parents worry that Alexa's high tolerance for rudeness instills poor behavior in their kids, according to Quartz.—
Emily Forlini,
PC Magazine,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The match-up broke ratings records, with nearly 128 million viewers tuning in, according to Nielsen.—
Judy Kurtz,
The Hill,
26 Mar. 2025
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Fake Wedding follows two broke singles who throw a fake wedding to cash in on the registry and the very real problems the make-believe couple encounters.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destitute. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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