as in songs
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 ballads
That realization led him to a collection of honky-tonk stompers, highway ballads and intimate character studies.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
23 June 2026
The ballads, though, are where the trumpeter puts on his Harmon mute and things turn magical.
—
Natalie Weiner,
Pitchfork,
19 June 2026
The San Jose Stage production also has the fortune of working with a terrific five-piece band, with Benjamin Belew’s music direction more effective in the rock versions than the power ballads.
—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Sarnoski’s film takes its title from one of those ballads, in which Robin Hood — long before there was any Maid Marian to speak of — was a mere yeoman.
—
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Zachary Stevenson’s performance replicates the nerdy-yet-hip Texan through impressive guitar licks and superb vocals that are equally comfortable with sweet ballads and on-the-edge rockabilly songs.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Traditionally played on string instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo, this distinctly twangy genre passed down religious hymns, ballads, and folktales through generations.
—
Hillary Richard,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
Much of the music and lyrics are drawn from Sting's 1991 album The Soul Cages, and weave elements of his family's story into ballads, Celtic folk music and classical recordings that his mother collected.
—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
10 June 2026
His ballads of rainy English angst went over big in the land of sun and surf.
—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2026
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
23 June 2026
The ballads, though, are where the trumpeter puts on his Harmon mute and things turn magical.
—
Natalie Weiner,
Pitchfork,
19 June 2026
The San Jose Stage production also has the fortune of working with a terrific five-piece band, with Benjamin Belew’s music direction more effective in the rock versions than the power ballads.
—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Sarnoski’s film takes its title from one of those ballads, in which Robin Hood — long before there was any Maid Marian to speak of — was a mere yeoman.
—
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Zachary Stevenson’s performance replicates the nerdy-yet-hip Texan through impressive guitar licks and superb vocals that are equally comfortable with sweet ballads and on-the-edge rockabilly songs.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Traditionally played on string instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo, this distinctly twangy genre passed down religious hymns, ballads, and folktales through generations.
—
Hillary Richard,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
Much of the music and lyrics are drawn from Sting's 1991 album The Soul Cages, and weave elements of his family's story into ballads, Celtic folk music and classical recordings that his mother collected.
—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
10 June 2026
His ballads of rainy English angst went over big in the land of sun and surf.
—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballads
Noun
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But at his Wednesday night tour opener in the Twin Cities, the 77-year-old abruptly let the stage after just a few songs.
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Shouldn’t all of our desserts be able to play Kenny Loggins songs at this point?
Noun
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As mourners talked quietly, nursery rhymes were interspersed with traditional gospel hymns.
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One version sings hymns to a mythic nation always free, always just, always brave, always chosen.
Noun
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According to viewers, a woman appearing to be Alannah uses the N-word while lip-syncing lyrics.
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The West End revival is being directed by Stephen Daldry from the original book and lyrics by Lee Hall and music by John.
Noun
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Pre-show festivities kicked off the event with DJs playing hits from their homeland and classic party anthems from the United States.
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And on Saturday, July 4th, raise a glass and enjoy an evening filled with ice-cold brews, delicious bites and a soundtrack of classic rock, country and all-American anthems.
Noun
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Australian singer-songwriter Tash Sultana presented an emotional and powerful mid-afternoon set with soaring guitar solos and vocals, live looping and musical dexterity that left the audience stunned in the best way possible.
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Guitar strums peak through the mix like fresh blades of grass and sweeping drums gently carry the songs forward, while Lenae sounds sweeter than ever, her airy vocals chasing the wind like white dandelion puffs.
Cite this Entry
“Ballads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballads. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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