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despair Synonyms

Another word for despair

Choosing another word for despair depends on context, so the 16 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The complete loss or absence of hope, accompanied by a profound feeling of powerlessness and dejection.

Usage Example

"A sense of deep hopelessness settled over the farming community after the third consecutive year of severe drought."

Strongest
hopelessness
desperation
despondency
Strong
anguish
dejection
gloom
misery
sorrow

• verb (Context 2)

To lose all hope or confidence, or to be overcome by a sense of futility (often followed by 'of').

Usage Example

"Even during the most difficult phases of the research project, the scientists refused to lose heart of finding a viable solution."

Strongest
lose heart
give up
Strong
despond
falter

• noun (Context 3)

A person, situation, or thing that causes complete hopelessness or extreme frustration.

Usage Example

"The chronic traffic congestion had long been the bane of city planners and daily commuters alike."

Strong
bane
torment
trial
Weak
burden

Opposites of despair

The opposite of despair shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

hope
hopefulness
optimism
take heart
delight
pride
persevere
confidence
See all opposites of despair

• Nearby Words

desolate
desolately
desolation
despair
despairing
despairingly
desperado

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Despair. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/despair
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