ballad

noun

ˈba-ləd How to pronounce ballad (audio)
Definition of balladnext
as in song
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ballad These songs were less detailed than the ballads but conveyed intense emotion gleaned from an often hardscrabble existence. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 When the Black Queen’s message arrives in the Riverlands, the king consort, lil’ Oscar Tully, and their new pal Roddy the Ruin are busy reveling, making up ballads dedicated to their own derring-do. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Within the flashy dance numbers and power ballads, American musicals often hold up a mirror to society. — Abraham Swee, USA Today, 29 June 2026 The sounds are chintzy and soaked in reverb, like a mawkish ’80s ballad rewritten from memory, and the whole thing slowly falls apart and fades out like an old track by the Field. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ballad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballad
  1. song
  2. hymn
  3. lyric
  4. anthem
  5. vocal
  6. lullaby
Noun
  • At 14 songs and 62 minutes, the album would have benefited from trimming three or four of the more generic tunes.
    — Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • And, really, what is the American Dream if not a nostalgic song sung in reverse?
    — Nathan King, airmail.news, 9 July 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended.
    — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026
  • On this particular afternoon, worship began with an opening hymn that Brown led from the back, a one-woman choir.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of hymn
Noun
  • For now, the labels do not cover the use of AI in lyrics, composition, music videos or cover art.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 July 2026
  • The labels do not currently apply to AI’s use for lyrics, compositions, music videos or a song’s cover art.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of lyric
Noun
  • An unofficial Argentina anthem for the World Cup includes winning a fourth title for the Malvinas.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
  • National flags rising toward the rafters while an anthem echoes through the arena.
    — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of anthem
Noun
  • Rather than using her robust vocals, Jihyo wanted to complement Shenseea’s, opting for a softer, more soulful tone.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Jagger penned new lyrics, recorded new vocals, and presto — the band made its last classic.
    — Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of vocal
Noun
  • Later, piano slices through the fog with a supernatural three-note lullaby that springs just off the beat, racing forward through the song’s misty backdrop.
    — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
  • Check out this 1997 live TV version of Paranoid Android, which veers from lullaby to apocalypse within the space of a few minutes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 May 2026
Definition of lullaby

Browse Nearby Words

ball
ballad
ballads
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Cite this Entry

“Ballad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballad. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ballad

Nglish: Translation of ballad for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ballad

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