deplore

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as in to regret
to feel sorry or dissatisfied about deplored the fact that his guests were seeing his apartment at its messiest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deplore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deplore are bemoan, bewail, and lament. While all these words mean "to express grief or sorrow for something," deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value.

deplores the breakdown in family values

How are the words bewail and bemoan related as synonyms of deplore?

Both bewail and bemoan imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, bewail commonly suggesting loudness, and bemoan lugubriousness.

fans bewailed the defeat
purists bemoaning the corruption of the language

When is lament a more appropriate choice than deplore?

The synonyms lament and deplore are sometimes interchangeable, but lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow.

lamenting the loss of their only child

Examples 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 deplore Conservatives preach judicial restraint and deplore judicial activism, but this ruling is worse than activism. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024 The United States increasingly deplored China’s repressive government. Odd Arne Westad, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2024 What changed, at about the same time no-fault began, was that a couple of decades of legal and cultural shifts — which many conservatives deplore — began making life different, larger and better for married and unmarried women. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024 Shohei Ohtani would reject it and the Angels would never do it, not to mention the fans, who would absolutely deplore it. Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deplore 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deplore
Verb
  • William Sadler is mourning the death of his wife, Marni Joan Bakst.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Residents of the town set flowers in front of a nearby church to mourn those who died Friday night.
    Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • One day without inconsiderate people making everyone miserable and making others regret their decision to keep the peace.
    Brenda Looper, arkansasonline.com, 25 Dec. 2024
  • Palace will regret that only Eze remains — although for how much longer is another matter.
    Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Staffing shortages City officials have long lamented low staffing numbers at LMPD.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Some users on Facebook lamented the loss of a Starbucks location in the highly walkable neighborhood while others expressed excitement over the new location, which will have a drive-thru and a parking lot.
    Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near deplore

Cite this Entry

“Deplore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deplore. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on deplore

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