REGRET Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'regret' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of regret are anguish , grief , sorrow , and woe . While all these words mean "distress of mind," regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse. // nagging regret for missed opportunities

Q: Where would 'anguish' be a reasonable alternative to 'regret'?

In some situations, the words anguish and regret are roughly equivalent. However, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread. // the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

Q: In what contexts can 'grief' take the place of 'regret'?

The meanings of grief and regret largely overlap; however, grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause. // the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

Q: When might 'sorrow' be a better fit than 'regret'?

The words sorrow and regret can be used in similar contexts, but sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse. // a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

Q: When could 'woe' be used to replace 'regret'?

While in some cases nearly identical to regret , woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery. // cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

regret 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈgret

Definition of regret next

as in to lament

to feel sorry or dissatisfied about we regret any inconvenience that we may have caused you

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

regret

2 of 2

noun

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing she was consumed with regret for belittling him in public and felt much better once she had apologized

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word regret different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of regret are anguish, grief, sorrow, and woe. While all these words mean "distress of mind," regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities

Where would anguish be a reasonable alternative to regret?

In some situations, the words anguish and regret are roughly equivalent. However, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

In what contexts can grief take the place of regret?

The meanings of grief and regret largely overlap; however, grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

When might sorrow be a better fit than regret?

The words sorrow and regret can be used in similar contexts, but sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse.

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

When could woe be used to replace regret?

While in some cases nearly identical to regret, woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery.

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

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 regret

Verb

Nobody ever regrets buying a good pair of ski gloves. —

Chris Haslam, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2024 Ross Atkins expresses regret Shohei Ohtani turned down Toronto Grambling women set NCAA DI record for win margin with 159-18 rout of College of Biblical Studies Tar Heels change defensive coaching staff with Chizik and Cross not returning for 2024 China’s BYD is rivaling Tesla in size. —

San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2024

Noun

Mixing dance and pop with Afrobeat influences, Tini narrates the spiritual growth that comes from living life with no regrets and loving unconditionally, even if all roads lead to uncertainty. —

Griselda Flores, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024 A lot of people talk about the regret of going home with an idol. —

Nick Caruso, TVLine, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for regret

Recent Examples of Synonyms for regret

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