LAMENTATION Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

lamentation

noun

ˌla-mən-ˈtā-shən

Definition of lamentation

as in wail

a crying out in grief there was a great lamentation on Wall Street when the government's latest unemployment figures were published

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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 lamentation These rock lamentations will not be carried over to the full-length album the band still has in the works, which Bono promises will have a more joyful tone. — Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 The album’s Bandcamp blurb shouts out Ghédalia Tarzatès, the late French composer who collaged his wails and lamentations in the endangered Ladino language to evoke pangs of existential angst. — H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026 The ghetto is full of lamentation. — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026 The space was replete with the repetitive knocking of drumsticks, the undulating rhythm of Qur’anic prayers, and the gut-wrenching murmur of lamentation coming from That is not still (Sesuatu yang tidak berdiam), a 2024 video work about Indonesia’s diverse soundscape. — Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lamentation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lamentation

Noun

Mourners beat their chests rhythmically in the intense summer heat, the wails of women cutting through the noise as the body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unveiled beneath a glass case at the Grand Mosalla.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
After a second of consideration, Naim slams the grate shut to the monster’s wails, and the audience’s relief.

— Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026

Definition of wail

Noun

Your eyes constantly produce a thin layer of basal tears to keep the cornea lubricated, and the duct quietly shuttles that trickle into the nose, where it’s absorbed or blended into normal nasal mucus without a trace.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
The testimony elicited visible emotion from Celeste’s family — her mother wiped away tears — who remained in court throughout the testimony.

— Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026

Definition of tears

Noun

Fines aren’t the answer to the EU’s laments, but better third parties are.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
There was no immediate sign of unrest ‌on Thursday after Ben-Gvir’s visit on Tisha ‌B’Av, a day of fasting and lament in Judaism mourning the destruction of the ancient Jewish temples.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 July 2026

Definition of lament

Noun

Some 30 seconds into flight, lightning struck the rocket, leading to awestruck cries from crowds gathered nearby to watch the launch.

— Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 July 2026
Now, a new documentary, created in association with Rolling Stone, is spotlighting the devoted fans that turned the comment into a global rallying cry.

— Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026

Definition of cry

Noun

Physical symptoms of air irritation include running noses, sneezing, gagging, coughing, and weeping or swollen eyes.

— Stella Canino-Quiñones, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
The latter was the leader of a failed uprising against the ruling Elizabeth 1, and the weeping stag was often used as a symbol adopted by the Earl’s supporters.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of weeping

Noun

Somewhere in the heated mist hovered the howls of Albert Ayler and the clarion call of his brother Donald’s trumpet, followed by the Ornette Coleman Quartet, saluting him with joyous cacophony.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Her Valley girl howl will stop you in your tracks, proclaiming friendship, revolution, and, yeah, lust.

— Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

Definition of howl

Browse Nearby Words

lamentably

lamentation

lamentations

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“Lamentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lamentation. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lamentation

noun

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