despondence

noun

de·​spon·​dence di-ˈspän-dən(t)s How to pronounce despondence (audio)
Synonyms of despondencenext
: despondency

Synonyms

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Examples of despondence in a Sentence

her slumping posture betrayed a growing despondence the ability to endure defeat without despondence has allowed him to weather the ups and downs of an acting career
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Emitting a combination of anger, frustration, and despondence, the University of Utah’s fifth-year junior quarterback was 15 minutes removed from throwing a back-breaking interception in the end zone that helped seal a 29-26 University of Florida win at The Swamp. — Josh Newman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 My pandemic weariness turned into despondence. — Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of despondence was in 1657

Rhymes for despondence

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Browse Nearby Words

despond
despondence
despondency
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Cite this Entry

“Despondence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/despondence. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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