Thesaurus
despair
noun
Synonyms and Antonyms of DESPAIR
1
utter loss of hope <the endless drought drove the farmers to despair>
Related Words blue devils, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, doldrums, dolor, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, gloom, gloominess, joylessness, melancholy, mopes, oppression, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; self-despair, self-pity; dolefulness, mournfulness, sorrowfulness, woefulness; agony, distress, pain; misery, woe, wretchedness; cynicism, pessimism; acceptance, resignation
Phrases slough of despond
Near Antonyms cheer, cheerfulness, sunniness; optimism; gaiety (also gayety), glee, gleefulness, jollity, joviality, lightheartedness, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness; bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, gladness, happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, rapture, rapturousness
Antonyms hope, hopefulness
2
the state of being discouraged <the other team's temporary lead caused some momentary despair>
Related Words blues, dejection, depression, dumps, gloom, melancholy, mopes; defeatism, pessimism, resignation
Near Antonyms optimism, sanguinity
Antonyms encouragement
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up despair[noun]? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).