DESPONDENCIES Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

despondency

noun

di-ˈspän-dən-sē

Definition of despondency

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 There are delicate parallels in O’Halloran’s screenplay showing the different ways in which the Evans men deal with their despondencies. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 Ethan Hawke does arguably his career-best work as the protagonist, a priest who becomes rattled when one of his parishioners expresses despondency over a God who would allow his planet to die because of climate change. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 June 2026 Instead, a combination of internal disputes, instability around Alvaro Arbeloa’s position and the fact that several players are facing an uncertain future means the picture is one of discord and despondency. — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026 Much of the Shamblins’ lawsuit — echoing past claims of wrongdoing by families of users who were allegedly mistreated or supported in their bad acts by ChatGPT and other AI — traces his descent into despondency. — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for despondency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for despondency

Noun

Nonetheless, Simón stirs up the ineffable sadness that comes with wanting answers to the mysteries of your family — and then, like it or not, receiving them.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
There’s a frank sadness to nearly every scene, but also a tenderness and warmth between these two unlikely friends.

— Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair.

— Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026
Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of despair

Noun

Their desperation comes as the Venezuelan government faces mounting criticism over its response to the crisis.

— Isa Soares, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Last week’s desperation deal for David Peterson, a one-time All-Star with the New York Mets, was only the start of a necessary overhaul.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of desperation

Noun

The pair went all the way down to a 43-mile-wide and 1,500-mile-long depression in the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench, known as the Challenger Deep.

— Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
The victim's mother also addressed the jury, blaming Rullan for her son's depression and anxiety and describing the emotional toll the abuse had taken on their family.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of depression

Noun

Colonists down south, especially fierce New England Protestants who took a dim view of Catholicism, viewed this act – and their new fellow imperial subjects – with dismay and considerable suspicion.

— Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
The decision to wean, much to the dismay of many, can come from either party.

— Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

But where some might see hopelessness, Ortiz sees an opportunity for connection.

— Joy Resmovits for The Trace, CBS News, 23 June 2026
And when young people feel disconnected or believe systems are unresponsive to their daily experiences, that disconnection can deepen isolation and hopelessness.

— Monica Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Definition of hopelessness

Noun

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the crash and offered condolences to the victims' families.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Croatia’s World Cup exit was not without a fight, with a last-minute, stoppage time goal that likely had fans screaming at the TV in jubilation, and then in sorrow.

— Alex Connor, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of sorrow

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“Despondency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despondency. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of despondency

noun

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