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as in unhappy
feeling unhappiness was sorry to see the family farm being sold

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sorry different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sorry are contemptible, despicable, pitiable, and scurvy. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

When is contemptible a more appropriate choice than sorry?

The meanings of contemptible and sorry largely overlap; however, contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When might despicable be a better fit than sorry?

The synonyms despicable and sorry are sometimes interchangeable, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

Where would pitiable be a reasonable alternative to sorry?

While in some cases nearly identical to sorry, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of sorry?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

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 sorry Choosing to have a Dry January has gotten increasingly popular as more and more drinkers began to grasp the fact that alcohol really isn’t good for us (sorry to be a buzzkill!). Sarah Klein, SELF, 6 Jan. 2025 Movies or shows about plane crashes don’t qualify (sorry, Lost, Yellowjackets, Flight, and Sully), and there’s a big difference between action on a passenger plane and action in the cockpit of a military jet (so no Top Gun: Maverick). Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025 Not wanting to seem gloomy, sorry, yet another qualm is that AGI might be kept or placed under control by governments, tech firms, or possibly even evildoers. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Trump can right this wrong by providing physicians and families with full transparency about the sorry state of the medical research and protecting children from being subjected to further experimentation and pain. Roy Eappen, National Review, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sorry 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sorry
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • But nothing in life is sadder than a reality television person who doesn't know when to retire.
    Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Air France regrets this sad event and expresses its sincere condolences.
    Michael D. Carroll AND Theo Burman, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In the final, pathetic weeks of his failed presidency, Joe Biden has been casting about desperately for a positive legacy.
    Jack Butler, National Review, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The 10th pick will be your usual pathetic Bear player.
    Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Too many people too ashamed, suspicious, or fearful to speak.
    Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Don’t feel ashamed that your resume is missing a date, diploma, employment, or skill.
    AllBusiness, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2018, Butler was months away from potentially becoming a free agent (as is the case now) and was unhappy with the Timberwolves (as is the case now, just with the Heat).
    Tim Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025
  • That’s a sure sign coaches are unhappy with aspects of a player’s performance.
    Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Probably train tomorrow for my sanity, but just frustrated and heartbroken.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Her owner recently passed away unexpectedly, and Eartha was left heartbroken.
    Maryanne Dell, Orange County Register, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Everybody connected to the death of this poor guy is dead now.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • With sleep disorders affecting approximately 70 million Americans and poor sleep linked to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline, the Tone Buds represent a significant advancement in personal sleep technology.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps this weekend can be a get-right game against the pitiful New York Jets, but there’s not much to be excited about.
    Fox News Staff, Fox News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Mercifully, Newcastle came up against a Leicester side whose setup under Ruud van Nistelrooy was as naive as their defensive performance was pitiful.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sorry

Cite this Entry

“Sorry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sorry. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sorry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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