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
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Recent Examples of ballad
In 2017, McRae went back to her YouTube roots and uploaded a video of herself singing an original ballad.
—
Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Her program will feature dance tunes, ballads and airs.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Cook is well aware that the guns carried by the federal agents are not for show, even without the Boss’ new ballad.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Every year, these flashy performances — from classic movie-musical extravaganzas to Disney earworms to Bond themes to power ballads — are the highlight of an already ridiculously flashy ceremony.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ballad
Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Her program will feature dance tunes, ballads and airs.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Cook is well aware that the guns carried by the federal agents are not for show, even without the Boss’ new ballad.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Every year, these flashy performances — from classic movie-musical extravaganzas to Disney earworms to Bond themes to power ballads — are the highlight of an already ridiculously flashy ceremony.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ballad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballad
Noun
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And that song definitely stands out on our third EP.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Another Network reporter pointed out the songs were not performed in their entirety.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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It was written by James Weldon Johnson, who considered the piece a hymn.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
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Carlile put her emphatic phrasing into the patriotic hymn, elongating notes and smiling at herself after a slight vocal squeak at the end.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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To put into perspective for new fans how traditional the sport is, skating with lyrics in songs wasn’t allowed until 2014.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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The lyrics are mostly nonsensical club chatter, but when Scott delivers them with Kesha-worthy sleaze, the attitude is stiletto-sharp.—
Lydia Wei,
Pitchfork,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Notre Dame fight song became our anthem — a reflection of his proud Irish Catholic roots and his belief that his players should see themselves on stages far larger than a high school field.—
Mario DiLoreto,
Hartford Courant,
18 Feb. 2026
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While the weary court composer is buried in the bureaucracy of state music, teaching scores of pupils, serving on endless committees and composing anthems and choral pieces, Mozart is dashing off works of startling originality while acting like a complete goofball.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The performance also featured backing vocals from Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and Babydaddy.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
22 Feb. 2026
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The music and the karaoke-style vocals are not typical for Broadway-style musicals, so that could be a plus for some demographics as well.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As stars like comedian Trevor Noah, Blackpink's Jisoo, and F1 driver Charles Leclerc shared their favorite Pokémon in honor of their 30th anniversary, Lady Gaga paid homage to the adorable pink character by serenading a delighted Jigglypuff with its lullaby.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
9 Feb. 2026
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The lullaby your grandmother hummed while shelling white beans into her apron, her voice low enough not to wake the war.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ballad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballad. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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