bemoan

1
as in to mourn
to feel or express sorrow for bemoaned the death of his wife by writing a series of poignant letters addressed to her

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2
as in to regret
to feel sorry or dissatisfied about a think piece bemoaning the coarsening of our society over the last several decades

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bemoan differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bemoan are bewail, deplore, and lament. While all these words mean "to express grief or sorrow for something," bewail and bemoan imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, bewail commonly suggesting loudness, and bemoan lugubriousness.

fans bewailed the defeat
purists bemoaning the corruption of the language

When could deplore be used to replace bemoan?

While the synonyms deplore and bemoan are close in meaning, deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value.

deplores the breakdown in family values

When is lament a more appropriate choice than bemoan?

While in some cases nearly identical to bemoan, lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow.

lamenting the loss of their only child

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bemoan The next day Paul, a real estate guy, is off in the city and Julie bemoans his absence in her life. Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025 Even as Walgreens expanded its store footprint, some analysts were bemoaning the lack of innovation at and updating of its existing fleet. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 17 June 2025 For example, Jodie Foster humorously bemoaned young Gen Z actors in an interview with The Guardian. Arar Han, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Jolly Rancher devoted entire bags to it after fans bemoaned having to fight for the good stuff when it’s presented alongside total clunkers in their mixed bags, and real heads know Watermelon Sour Patch Kids are the best flavor. Pete Cottell, Wired News, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bemoan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bemoan
Verb
  • These lonely senior citizens arrive at a Los Angeles bungalow where Fish, newly discharged from an asylum, wrestles with an imagined demon and Poinsettia mourns a fantasy romance with composer Giacomo Puccini.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 June 2025
  • The Ultimate Angus Philly went the way of the Dodo almost 15 years ago, and customers have been mourning the discontinuation of The Three Cheese Steak Sandwich for the better part of a decade.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Take it from two pros who have helped countless clients with their moves—this is what people always regret taking with them.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Whether hungry or not, golfers are obliged to try one on for size and will never regret the choice.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The apparel choice generated some healthy discourse, with some lamenting the lack of full Monarchs tribute attire.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2025
  • But Shildt is not prone to publicly lament any shortcomings about his players.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bemoan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bemoan. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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