deplore

verb

de·​plore di-ˈplȯr 

deplored; deploring

transitive verb

1

a

: to feel or express grief for

deplore the death of a friend

b

: to regret strongly

deplore my own actions

2

: to consider unfortunate or deserving of disapproval

many critics deplore his methods

deplorer

di-ˈplȯr-ər 

noun

deploringly

di-ˈplȯr-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of deplore

• criticize
• blame
• condemn
• denounce
• fault

Choose the Right Synonym for deplore

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 deplore in a Sentence

We deplore the development of nuclear weapons.

Many people deplored the change.

Although deplored by many, her decisions have greatly benefited the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

Each of these societies deplored and ridiculed the other. — James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

But Goldsworthy deplores the city dweller’s notion of the countryside as a picturesque escape. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026

Just as hedgehogs deplore foxes for a lack of theoretical ambition, foxes spend their time screaming at hedgehogs for missing this or that eloquent detail. — Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026

Most historians and most Americans rightly deplore the atrocities and betrayals that took place. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French deplorer, from Latin deplorare, from de- + plorare to wail

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for deplore

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

deplore

verb

de·​plore di-ˈplō(ə)r 

-ˈplȯ(ə)r

deplored; deploring

1

a

: to feel or express grief for

b

: to regret strongly

2

: to consider unfortunate or deserving of disapproval

deplorer noun

deploringly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb