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.
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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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For centuries, spiritual hymns have kept hope alive, even more so for the enslaved.
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The videos collectively cover American history from the American Revolution into the early 1970s and includes songs associated with Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Bob Dylan, John Denver and others as well as folk songs, hymns, blues songs and more.
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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The show features timeless works from influential artists whose songs have long served as anthems for social change and perseverance.
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Pop anthems gave way to house beats.
Noun
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The band was nominated for two Grammy awards, first in 1999 for rock or rap gospel album and then in 2000 for best performance by a duo or group with vocals.
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The lyrics are heartfelt and romantic, and paired with Minhyuk’s vocals, evoke a sense of yearning, sincerity, and comfort.
Cite this Entry
“Ballads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballads. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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