DOLEFUL Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

doleful

adjective

ˈdōl-fəl

as in mournful

expressing or suggesting mourning a doleful expression on their faces as they said good-bye to the friends they had made over the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sad

feeling unhappiness the visibly doleful players, heartbroken about their loss

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of doleful James, with his doleful countenance, makes the adult Hal vaguely sympathetic. —

Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 Krauss’s ethereal voice is as haunting as ever on this mournful ballad, where doleful lyrics look back on a time marked by regret and deceit, and get elevated by the elegant interplay between Krauss’ voice and Jerry Douglas’s soul-piercing steel guitar. —

Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025 The song begins with Iommi’s signature doleful blues soloing before kicking into a doomy groove. —

Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2024 In any case, that doleful Something had stirred the group chat up from its latency. —

Literary Hub, 15 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for doleful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doleful

Adjective

Then, in the Andante movement, the upper strings opened with a glassy sound before the mournful line of the cello entered.

— Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
Over the years, humpback whale songs have been recorded for human listening, with many describing the songs as having a haunting, mournful quality.

— Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026