1
as in impoverished
lacking money or material possessions many families were left destitute by the horrible fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devoid
utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected a lingering drought and a sky destitute of rain clouds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 destitute No matter the iteration, New York is a destitute trade partner, having already emptied its chamber for Towns and Bridges. —
Ricardo Sandoval, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 One million of these children are destitute, going without their most basic needs of staying warm, dry, clothed and fed being met, according to a 2023 study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which studies poverty and formulates policy to tackle it. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025 Franklin Roosevelt initiated the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Progress Administration as part of the New Deal, putting destitute Americans to work by building roads, dams, bridges, libraries, schools — and parks. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Nov. 2025 Many samurai remain, but sword-carrying is outlawed, leaving many of them jobless and destitute. —Kayti Burt, Time, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destitute
Ricardo Sandoval, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 One million of these children are destitute, going without their most basic needs of staying warm, dry, clothed and fed being met, according to a 2023 study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which studies poverty and formulates policy to tackle it. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025 Franklin Roosevelt initiated the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Progress Administration as part of the New Deal, putting destitute Americans to work by building roads, dams, bridges, libraries, schools — and parks. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Nov. 2025 Many samurai remain, but sword-carrying is outlawed, leaving many of them jobless and destitute. —Kayti Burt, Time, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destitute
Adjective
-
Marriott’s report was the first time a British aid charity had documented how taxpayers’ money was funding a business accused of detaining impoverished African patients.— Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
-
Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These are great for traveling or if your yard is devoid of things to attach to.— BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
-
The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.— Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Braves couldn’t overcome a poor start from Reynaldo López and saw their six-game winning streak fall by the wayside in an 11-4 loss to the Nationals on Tuesday at Nationals Park.— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 22 Apr. 2026
-
In the days leading up to his fatal overdose, Prince was in poor health and was forced to cancel shows in Atlanta.— Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Highway Trust Fund — the primary federal account dedicated to funding highways, bridges and transit — is going broke.— Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
-
By the beginning of the second episode, Margo has dropped out of school and is the totally broke single mother to a colicky baby, Bodhi, who cries so committedly that two of Margo’s roommates move out.— Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Destitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/destitute. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
