1
as in impoverished
lacking money or material possessions
many families were left destitute by the horrible fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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Democrats have attacked these anti-fraud policies as an effort to undermine safety net programs for the impoverished.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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The redevelopment could begin unfolding as the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, the former Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, begins construction on a new $35 million headquarters in Clay Arsenal, two major projects for the long-impoverished neighborhood.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Too often, supporters have felt the players have struggled to even offer that, with meek away performances against Sunderland (3-0 defeat), Brighton & Hove Albion (2-0 defeat) and Everton (2-0 defeat) displaying a side devoid of belief and beaten before kick-off.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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In addition to the entire resort being devoid of single-use plastic, the property also participates in marine conservation efforts that include coral restoration and turtle rehabilitation.—
Christina Liao,
Vogue,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Injuries to key players on the Amazin’s contributed to some poor numbers as well.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
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Although poor students are disproportionately likely to receive special education in New York City, well-off disabled kids are the ones most acutely driving up the budget.—
Marc Novicoff,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destitute. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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