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regretfully

adverb
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re·​gret·​ful·​ly | \ ri-ˈgret-fə-lē How to pronounce regretfully (audio) \

Definition of regretfully

1 : with regret : in a regretful way had to regretfully decline the invitation speaking/sighing regretfully Having said all that, I must also say, regretfully, that "The Road to Mecca" seemed somehow unsatisfying to me, though I'm not sure why.— Mimi Kramer
2 —used to say that something is regrettedRegretfully, I won't be able to help.
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about regretfully

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Examples of regretfully in a Sentence

“I must leave now,” he said regretfully. I must regretfully decline your invitation.
Recent Examples on the Web Many people will see this as such a story and for that reason, this narrative is one that is, regretfully, evergreen. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Monica Lewinsky Is Producing FX's Impeachment: American Crime Story," 7 Aug. 2019 The most telling reason for its rejection came from Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin, who had campaigned pushing the plan but who regretfully noted that the taxpayers of Vermont couldn’t afford it. — Stephen Horwitz, WSJ, "BernieCare Is Expensive, but So Are the Alternatives," 18 Oct. 2018 Without the Board's prior knowledge, regretfully, the delegation included one Israeli officer. — Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, "Dearborn mosque considers banning Israeli military from entering," 19 May 2018 Three times this has happened to me; once, regretfully, the charge was led by Herr Doktor, who at least was playing a practical joke. — Marc Peruzzi, Outside Online, "The Unwritten Rules of Sportsmanship," 15 May 2018 Aaron Rodgers was, regretfully, our second outright miss of the season. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Assessing PFD's analysis so far after Aaron Rodgers misstep," 19 Oct. 2017 However, the entertainment on the pitch might regretfully be overshadowed by events in the stands by the behaviour of visiting supporters, . — SI.com, "Racist Chants from AS Roma Fans Mars Entertaining UCL Encounter at Stamford Bridge," 19 Oct. 2017 Following the breakup, the father of six headed to Las Vegas, where he’s regretfully turned to a life of gambling. — Dana Rose Falcone, PEOPLE.com, "Teen Mom OG Star Amber Portwood's Ex Says He's 'Paying the Price' for Botching Relationship," 18 Aug. 2017 A sign on the door said the cafe is regretfully closing. — Nancy Luna, Orange County Register, "Restaurant Closures in Orange County," 7 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'regretfully.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of regretfully

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for regretfully

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The first known use of regretfully was in 1682

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Cite this Entry

“Regretfully.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regretfully. Accessed 28 January 2020.

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More Definitions for regretfully

regretfully

adverb
How to pronounce regretfully (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of regretfully

: with regret : with sadness or disappointment
—used to say that something is regretted

See the full definition for regretfully in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on regretfully

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for regretfully

Spanish Central: Translation of regretfully

Nglish: Translation of regretfully for Spanish Speakers

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