1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in despair
the state of being discouraged
in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season
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3
as in desperation
utter loss of hope
never once gave into despondency and self-pity during her long recovery from her injuries in the car crash
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despondency
Injuries and performances are two football-relevant reasons for despondency, while United’s poor financial results point to more staff cuts.
—
Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
He’s got no home, no close family, no Wi-Fi for when Callie Rose comes by his new-to-him trailer with hopes of doing her homework on her iPad. O’Connor wears Dusty’s despondency like a heavy blanket, shoulders slumped and eyes cast toward the dirt beneath his feet.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
But with over 115,000 views, her message has struck a nerve among young professionals grappling with a growing sense of corporate despondency.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
He’s got no home, no close family, no Wi-Fi for when Callie Rose comes by his new-to-him trailer with hopes of doing her homework on her iPad. O’Connor wears Dusty’s despondency like a heavy blanket, shoulders slumped and eyes cast toward the dirt beneath his feet.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
But with over 115,000 views, her message has struck a nerve among young professionals grappling with a growing sense of corporate despondency.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
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Joe, a firefighter in real life, happily obliged but was no longer on the same tribe as Eva at her moment of despair.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
As the team left last weekend, there wasn’t a sense of despair.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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During that period, Chelsea even made an opportunistic lowball bid for Isak to exploit Newcastle’s desperation, which was not entertained at St James’ Park.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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All season, this group has been consistent in its desperation to make history and win a trophy for Spurs.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This means that these factors seem to explain why night owls report more depression symptoms, and was the most interesting aspect of the findings.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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Participants were asked to outline varying facets from their sleep cycle, their energy peak time, rumination habits, depression levels, mindfulness practices and their weekly alcohol consumption.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Leitch expressed his dismay at the lack of recognition for stunt performers during an interview with Entertainment Weekly last year.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
12 Apr. 2025
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In France, dismay at Mr. Trump’s policies is widespread and the national mood is uneasy.—
Roger Cohen,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Watching Thief, yes, we’re naturally mesmerized by its nocturnal compositions, its lovely sense of melancholy, its almost abstract robbery sequences filled with sparks and flames bursting off steel vaults.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2025
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Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner embraces melancholy in new album The music of the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast is suffused with longing.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
His eyes filled with sorrow as his mom gave Lola all the attention.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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Emotions and sorrow were palpable even though Prine has been dead for nearly five years.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Others predicted the federal government will remain a major employer locally and cautioned against premature doom and gloom.—
Jonathan Shorman and,
Kansas City Star,
19 Mar. 2025
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Shear acquits himself well with Sam’s starstruck regard of this famous and beautiful creature who’s inexplicably taken an interest in him, and then with his gloom when things go sour.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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