DESTITUTE Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

destitute

adjective

ˈde-stə-ˌtüt

Definition of destitute

as in impoverished

lacking money or material possessions many families were left destitute by the horrible fire

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in devoid

utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected a lingering drought and a sky destitute of rain clouds

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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 destitute As the truly destitute are not likely to receive such invitations, this petty thievery is simply an abuse of hospitality and an insult to those who have offered it. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026 However, families without insurance could easily be left destitute by an illness or an accident. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 The now-tony West London locale was considered a destitute enclave for artists and bohemians at the time, and Hockney's flat epitomized this lifestyle. — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026 Foster died destitute in 1864, after falling and injuring himself in the bathroom of a hotel on the Bowery, becoming perhaps the first of many famous wastrels in American popular music. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for destitute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for destitute

Adjective

This British drama series follows a woman named Emma over the course of more than six decades of her life, from the 1900s through the 1970s, working her way from impoverished maid to the world’s richest woman.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Known as a Neglected Tropical Disease because of the lack of funding to fight it, schistosomiasis is a serious challenge for impoverished communities.

— William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of impoverished

Adjective

There were complaints about the car traffic and the financial cost to the broke city.

— Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026
Three years into his term, America wasn't broke, but the stock market did experience some of its biggest single-day losses during the coronavirus pandemic.

— Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026

Definition of broke

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destiny

destitute

destituteness

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“Destitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destitute. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of destitute

adjective

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