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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Recent Examples of ballads
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
Singer Bradley Nowell drunk-steered his band through sordid anthems, crashing through references to classic ska and dancehall songs, shouting out Rudimentary Peni and Geto Boys, and re-setting the murder ballads and drug sprees of outlaw country in suburban California.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 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
Many argue that true crime originated in folk murder ballads, popularized in the 1500s.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 June 2026
As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026
ABC News, 17 June 2026
Singer Bradley Nowell drunk-steered his band through sordid anthems, crashing through references to classic ska and dancehall songs, shouting out Rudimentary Peni and Geto Boys, and re-setting the murder ballads and drug sprees of outlaw country in suburban California.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 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
Many argue that true crime originated in folk murder ballads, popularized in the 1500s.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 June 2026
As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballads
Noun
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That’s why people continue to write songs about it.—
Holly Gleason,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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The musical comedy adventure will feature original songs from Flight of the Conchords actor and writer Bret McKenzie and a script from Martin Hynes, who co-wrote Toy Story 4.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
But please, lots of rousing hymns.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Noun
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At the end, Bono ad libbed lyrics for the occasion.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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Continue reading … MISSED SIGNALS — Bunnie Xo dropped cryptic lyrics, ditched her ring before Jelly Roll divorce news broke.—
,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
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.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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Pop anthems gave way to house beats.—
Sari Kamin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 June 2026
Noun
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For the album, Simon enlisted John Forté, who died earlier this year, as well as Simon's son Ben, who appears on the project as a singer, musician, producer, and songwriter, in addition to her daughter Sally, who contributes vocals and created the cover artwork for the single.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
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Impressive also is the score from Tony Lewis and folk singer Jim Ghedi, including the uniquely haunting vocals from the latter.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ballads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballads. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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