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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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
Her despondency, her credulities, her joys.
—
Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
One day, her despondency was interrupted by a meeting with the chiefs of the Iroquois’ Six Nation Confederacy to honor her efforts to bring back the bald eagle.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
This despondency arises less from the death of his partner, and more from the prospect of death itself.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Much contemporary writing exhibits despondency about the possibilities of relationships.
—Haley Mlotek, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
One day, her despondency was interrupted by a meeting with the chiefs of the Iroquois’ Six Nation Confederacy to honor her efforts to bring back the bald eagle.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
This despondency arises less from the death of his partner, and more from the prospect of death itself.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for despondency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency
Noun
-
Democrats and Republicans alike would do well to recognize that increasing polarization is the most likely result of aggressive posturing, spinning us into doom loops of despair.—
Timothy Shriver,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
-
Is now a time for optimism or despair over Israel’s environmental record?—
JTA Staff Report,
Sun Sentinel,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
According to the logline, Nook dreams of a better life but is caught in a rampant cycle of poverty and desperation within his Atlanta community.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
2 May 2025
-
There was energy and joy but the mood was thick with desperation and laced with danger.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
For some people with mild depression, walking might even be as effective as some medications.6 High-intensity exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which can boost your mood following a workout.—
Jennifer Steinhoff,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2025
-
Advanced technologies, physical security, and an abundance of stuff [courtesy of highly advanced 3D printers] does nothing to stop a growing wave of loneliness and depression.—
G Kirilloff,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Burruss, 48, who co-produced the revival with husband Todd Tucker, took to Instagram to voice her dismay over the production's snub.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
1 May 2025
-
Aiding Lyonne with Uncanny Valley is tech innovator Jaron Lanier, who has expressed some dismay at the direction in which Big Tech has gone.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The actor infuses this unusual father figure with an overprotective streak and a sense of melancholy to match a patchwork body born from parental abuse. 5.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The poem concludes with an impulsive act of generosity that carries a hint of melancholy.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But while there was undeniable joy in that surreal experience, a quiet sorrow lingered beneath it all.—
Carissa Talmage,
People.com,
2 May 2025
-
The aubade flourishes wherever lovers try to cling to a few more moments together before the sweet sorrow of parting.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Inter’s 1-0 loss to Roma wasn’t all doom and gloom.—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
And yet the announcement wasn’t all doom and gloom.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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