1
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
the endless drought drove the farmers to despair
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2
as in dismay
the state of being discouraged
the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair
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as in to grieve
to lose all hope or confidence
we despaired when we saw how little time we had left to complete our project
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of despair
Jenelle Riley, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
As the titular rogue planet barrels toward Earth, two sisters (Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg) face the emotional wreckage of the world's end: one slipping into paralyzing despair, the other consumed by nervous restlessness.
—Keith Staskiewicz, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Detroit Free Press, 6 Oct. 2024
Lewis, who was a member of the Pearson Commission, therefore despaired of both the altruistic and the enlightened self-interest arguments.
—Jagdish Bhagwati, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2010
See all Example Sentences for despair 
Noun
While Moore nails the despair, self-loathing and insecurity of a woman in a world that values appearances above all else, Qualley is just as fearless as the woman who benefits from it.
—Jenelle Riley, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
As the titular rogue planet barrels toward Earth, two sisters (Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg) face the emotional wreckage of the world's end: one slipping into paralyzing despair, the other consumed by nervous restlessness.
—Keith Staskiewicz, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
And both communities despair, perceiving the rest of the world is indifferent to their suffering.
—Detroit Free Press, 6 Oct. 2024
Lewis, who was a member of the Pearson Commission, therefore despaired of both the altruistic and the enlightened self-interest arguments.
—Jagdish Bhagwati, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2010
See all Example Sentences for despair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despair
Noun
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This too carries a whiff of desperation, as though people are intentionally putting on a brave face and shoving forward symbols of our collective creativity and togetherness.Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
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The team acquired him from San Francisco in a mid-season desperation move, just beating the trade deadline, after a plethora of injuries plunged the offense into a deep funk.Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
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To Lue’s dismay, the Clippers started poorly against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, falling behind by 26 points in the first quarter, their defense getting torched amid seven turnovers.Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
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Quasi provoked both delight and dismay on social media after its reveal in August 2019.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Democrats are grieving and searching for answers after an election that saw their nemesis reclaim the presidency while his fellow Republicans gained control of the Senate and may hold the House as well.Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
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That includes a scene with Tyler’s basketball team, coached by his grieving dad (Cho).Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
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This leads to feelings of disengagement, discouragement and exhaustion.Jack Kelly, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
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This isn’t just a lesson kids need to hear; parents deal with failure and discouragement too.Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Instead of a defining win, the Broncos suffered a crusher of a 16-14 loss here Sunday when Lutz’s 35-yard walk-off field goal attempt got blocked.Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
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From the cradle to the grave, Black Americans suffer worse health outcomes than white people.Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
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On Tuesday, Trump posted a statement on his Truth Social app mourning Marcus's death.Rob Wile, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
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Tributes have poured in for the singer since his death, with everyone from his former bandmates to his family, other celebrities, and countless fans mourning Payne.Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Johnny Rockets Drown any potential sorrows in a free milkshake with an in-store purchase.Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
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Many of those recollections contain notes of sorrow.Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Matthews devotes one parenthetical sentence claiming rocket launches hurt coastal wildlife.Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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The public pleas for testing are part of health officials’ efforts to halt the outbreak that has disproportionately hurt Native Americans in the Great Plains and Southwest.Kff Health News, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near despair
Cite this Entry
“Despair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despair. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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