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ballad

noun

ˈba-ləd How to pronounce ballad (audio)
Definition of balladnext
as in song
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ballad By 2017, Cyrus was covering her tattoos with makeup, wearing all white, and singing ballads of marital devotion. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 What comes in between includes a surprising number of love ballads and a few odd outliers. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 The nineteenth century saw authors in other countries (Germany, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Norway) attempting to firm up their nationalist claims by ransacking popular ballads, rustic legends, and oral traditions. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026 But Robin Hood, the ballads all postdate the Peasants’ Revolt and were wildly popular and continued to resonate and echo down. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ballad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballad
  1. song
  2. hymn
  3. lyric
  4. anthem
  5. vocal
  6. lullaby
Noun
  • However, the authors of this study were aided by using laser range finders, which are tools golfers use to find how far the hole is, Menezes added, enabling them to measure the volume of the birds’ songs and the distance at the same time.
    — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The romantic comedy also features six original songs written by Roth and performed by the cast.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • The atmosphere feels similar to Pentecostal churches, with the hymns and spiritual declarations very familiar to those sung in other churches.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In the southernmost car, dozens press together and sway in their prayer shawls to the hymns of the morning service.
    — Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of hymn
Noun
  • The video screen helpfully displayed the lyrics, but nobody needed a prompt.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The rock band, known for its unconventional costumes and intentionally offensive lyrics, was nominated for two Grammys, one in 1993 for Best Long Form Music Video and another in 1996 for Best Metal Performance.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of lyric
Noun
  • And while the anthem played , the two teams' players, coaches and others stood along the sidelines.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Created by a band formed in Mesa, the anthem delivers both Phoenix-area representation and a genuinely motivating workout message.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of anthem
Noun
  • A la Karen Carpenter, Paulina sang lead vocals from behind the drum kit, calling on the crowd to clap and sing along to the music.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • After leading the Rain Parade, Roback started Opal with Dream Syndicate bassist Kendra Smith, which became Mazzy Star when Sandoval replaced Smith on vocals.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of vocal
Noun
  • Gotta be honest, this instrumental version from one of those cover compilations of rock songs done lullaby-style for hipster parents is kind of great.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Reilly, who composed the song wholesale, seems content to swap his Satie-esque irresolution for something straightforwardly plaintive, like a lullaby.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Definition of lullaby

Browse Nearby Words

ball
ballad
ballads
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Cite this Entry

“Ballad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballad. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ballad

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ballad

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