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
The stirring ballad draws tears from the audience.
—
Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
The state song of Kentucky since the 1920s, Foster's ballad, written in 1853, is sung each May before the Kentucky Derby as the race horses step onto the storied track.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
Many of the favorite Christmas songs of a previous generation were torchy ballads.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2025
After a dozen songs in the seamless show, EWF slowed the pace for a segment spotlighting their seductive bedroom ballads.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballad
Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
The state song of Kentucky since the 1920s, Foster's ballad, written in 1853, is sung each May before the Kentucky Derby as the race horses step onto the storied track.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
Many of the favorite Christmas songs of a previous generation were torchy ballads.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2025
After a dozen songs in the seamless show, EWF slowed the pace for a segment spotlighting their seductive bedroom ballads.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballad
Noun
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Then, once the song has ascended to its chorus, there is a dove, ablaze.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
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Millions more have watched Swerski's catchy songs.—
Charlie De Mar,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The dramatic arc of the film’s first half — filled with the ecstasy of God’s embrace and the agony of imprisonment — is told through musical numbers, adapted from the Shakers’ ecstatic worship, dance, hymns, and music (watch the video above to learn more).—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
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The Christmas hymn was originally intended for a choir with a string quartet, percussion and piano, but Amato picked out a solo piano version of the piece written by musician Dan Forrest.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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They can be listened to just for the sounds, harmonies, and rhythms, but the lyrics are meant to inspire people to engage and take action by collaborating to solve collective problems.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
13 Jan. 2026
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Nachmanoff writes music and lyrics.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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America’s long struggle against racial segregation was accompanied by a righteous soundtrack of spirituals and gospel and soul music, anthems that channeled sanctified fervor into the fight for equality.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
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Jackson will be on hand to sing the anthem at the big game in Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers said Friday on social media.—
Adam Bell
January 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Even as the gnarled guitar of their early EPs gave way to the jangly jaunts of 2022’s Stumpwork, the band could feel secure in the knowledge that any song featuring Shaw on vocals will sound like a Dry Cleaning song and nothing but.—
Stuart Berman,
Pitchfork,
9 Jan. 2026
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Other artists on the track and video include William Barton (didgeridoo), Boboulaye Sissokho (kora), Macarena Montesinos (cello), Guarani Andeva Group (percussion), Iron Cult Dancers (dancers), Izzana Jaa (vocals), Ezequiel Acosta (bandoneón), and Erik Prevost David (trumpet).—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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Celebrities and fans in the comments seemed to approve of Scherzinger's move to making lullabies.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ballad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballad. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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