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

In a demonstration of how polarizing a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to deplore his capture and celebrate it. —Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

The operation, widely deplored by the United Nations General Assembly, ended on November 3, with more than 100 dead. —CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

Saft deplores this conciliatory blandness. —Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

Among the celebrities to deplore the news of Norwood being signed to an agency are Emily Blunt, Toni Colette, Melissa Barrera, Natasha Lyonne and Whoopi Goldberg. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025

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