Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for despair. Search instead for despairi.
Definitions

despair

[dih-spair] / dɪˈspɛər /
NOUN
depression, hopelessness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anguish desperation despondency discouragement gloom melancholy misery pain sorrow
STRONG
dejection disheartenment forlornness ordeal trial tribulation wretchedness
WEAK
dashed hopes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheer comfort contentment encouragement happiness joy pleasure
STRONG
peace
WEAK
cheerfulness confidence faith hopefulness joyfulness trust
VERB
give up hope
Synonyms
STRONG
abandon despond destroy drop flatten relinquish renounce resign surrender yield
WEAK
be hopeless give way have heavy heart let air out lose faith lose heart take down
Antonyms
STRONG
keep pursue
WEAK
anticipate expect have faith hope wish for

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The “object of excess” led him into despair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The festival hopes to encourage artists and fans to turn to comedy, theater, creativity and community instead of despair.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Energised by her act of defiance, Ridings spent a year in Los Angeles, writing her way out of despair.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

You have avoided great depths of despair and panic, and even greater heights of self-congratulation and ecstasy.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Alexander gestured at Penelope, who had closed her eyes in despair.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood