1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
in despondency because he couldn't seem to settle into a lasting relationship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of despondency
Katie Hafner: The mood of the research team, Dora wrote, turned from elation to despondency.
—
Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Ultimately the day ended for the Bears with a new wave of anger, embarrassment and despondency.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
He’s perched in front of jagged cliffs while hiking outside of Arles, France, a blue baseball cap pulled over his hair, cheeks extra-ruddy in the sun, his default affability tempered by a sense of despondency.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
Juniper Hills resident Diane Swick, 60, transitioned from joy to despondency quickly in early August.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for despondency 
Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Ultimately the day ended for the Bears with a new wave of anger, embarrassment and despondency.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
He’s perched in front of jagged cliffs while hiking outside of Arles, France, a blue baseball cap pulled over his hair, cheeks extra-ruddy in the sun, his default affability tempered by a sense of despondency.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
Juniper Hills resident Diane Swick, 60, transitioned from joy to despondency quickly in early August.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
-
Antonio scored an early opener and Jarrod Bowen was denied from close range shortly after, with Moyes falling to the ground in despair.Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
-
Carter later credited that sacrifice for pulling him from his despair and eventually leading him to found The Carter Presidential Center -- a multifaceted nonprofit aimed at promoting human rights, with missions as varied as election monitoring and eradicating parasitic diseases.Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Its foreign minister in 2021 famously held a speech in thigh-high water to steer attention to the island's plight, expressing the feeling of desperation many in the region share.Katharina Buchholz, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
-
With each match eliminating contestants in shocking and violent ways, the show features themes of human desperation and the lengths people will go to stay alive.Jane LaCroix, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Healthcare providers report using similar dosages to the treatment of depression for RSD.Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
-
And The Desire For Connection Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by changes in the seasons, often begins in the fall and continues through the winter months.Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Fans of the show shared their dismay at Nease's answer on social media.Latoya Gayle, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
-
It was announced in September that Lamar would headline the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans — much to the dismay of rappers who said Lil Wayne should have been given the gig as a hometown favorite.Char Adams, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
When the Padres signed Bogaerts, a major league scout with a neutral team said several baseball folks with the Red Sox felt a sense of melancholy.Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025
-
There’s action and scares, but also human melancholy and a deep mystery.Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The principal of Dos Pueblos High School, Bill Woodard, expressed sorrow about the beloved teacher’s death.Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025
-
Sadly, the reunion would leave the Bernstein family with lasting wounds and sorrow.Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Much doom and gloom was aimed at the electric car world in 2024.Jeremy White, WIRED, 1 Jan. 2025
-
The media, our social media feeds and our most pessimistic friends fill us with doom and gloom stories.Axios, Axios, 25 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near despondency
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share