bemoan

verb

be·​moan bi-ˈmōn 

bē-

bemoaned; bemoaning; bemoans

transitive verb

1

: to express deep grief or distress over

bemoan the death of their leader

2

: to regard with displeasure, disapproval, or regret

bemoaning the lack of civility in modern political discourse

Synonyms of bemoan

• mourn
• lament
• regret

Choose the Right Synonym for bemoan

deplore, lament, bewail, bemoan 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

lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow.

lamenting the loss of their only child

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

Examples of bemoan in a Sentence

He bemoans the fact that the team lost again.

an article bemoaning the decline in voter turnout

Some critics are always bemoaning the state of the language.

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials bemoaned overlapping rules, slow approvals and rigid policies that have complicated rebuilding efforts while burying survivors in paperwork. —Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

Following the band's most recent cancellation, several fans took to social media to wish Rzeznik good health, while some bemoaned the last-minute notice. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

The backstory For anyone that has bemoaned the flattening of cultures everywhere, Fogo Island offers a beacon of hope. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026

The formation of political parties was bemoaned by early American political leaders. —Richard Davis, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bemoan

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone
• dethrone

Kids Definition

bemoan

verb

be·​moan bi-ˈmōn 

: to express grief over