DESPERATELY Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

desperately

adverb

ˈde-sp(ə-)rət-lē

Definition of desperately

as in extremely

to a great degree all of a sudden everything went desperately wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example 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 desperately Kurt's key takeaways What struck me most about my conversation with George is how much money is being made from messages that so many of us desperately want to stop. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 One sequence, in which Matt desperately tries to cut away skin that has started to cover his eyes while in an airplane lavatory during severe turbulence, is a master class in cinematic tension. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 Notably, those contracts are right at the money, making this trade a major vote of confidence for a stock desperately in need of some reassurance heading into this afternoon's print. — Tyler Bailey, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 Over the course of 10 years, Vincent created more than 800 paintings and 700 drawings, desperately hoping for financial independence and commercial success. — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desperately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for desperately

Adverb

Today, however, plague is curable and extremely unlikely to blow up into a new pandemic, experts say.

— Faye Flam, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
Nowhere was his balancing act viewed more extremely than with Ukraine.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of extremely

Adverb

Photos show the badly charred facility was filled with potentially explosive equipment and moonshine ingredients, including propane tanks.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026
This hint of connection between them is later made concrete when, at the demonstration, the two are complicit in an act of defiance — throwing a cobblestone at a policeman, badly injuring him — and must skip town for the night.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of badly

Adverb

There's no doubt that Riley Green's acoustic performances are incredibly popular.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
These teachers work with students who have an incredibly diverse set of needs, including those with autism, learning disabilities such as dyslexia, developmental delays and physical disabilities.

— Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of incredibly

Adverb

For example, because of their own home-buying timeline, a seller may need to close very quickly or may need more time than usual.

— Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of very

Adverb

These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Ross started the second-half scoring, too, with another two handed flush off a pass from Demary, who started the fast break chance with his second steal of the game.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of too

Adverb

For a network that is so aware of what is said about it, its first Super Bowl will be shadowed by its broadcasters.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Home ownership doesn’t always mean stability, so consider these factors before deciding whether to rent or buy.

— Maurie Backman, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of so

Adverb

And yet 59% of the Hornets’ shots came from three-point range — this is a team that really never stops shooting them, for better or for worse.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Loves, cities, and musical genres may change, but that girl who felt left out has never really stopped writing.

— Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of really

Browse Nearby Words

desperate

desperately

desperateness

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“Desperately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desperately. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of desperately

adverb

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