1
as in bereaved
suffering the death of a loved one
to one investigator, the bereft woman seemed to be taking the sudden death of her rich husband amazingly well
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in devoid
utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected
a cheap motel completely bereft of all amenities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bereft
In a season with only 11 musicals and otherwise bereft of serious scores, that was, to say the least, unfortunate.
—
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Observing tips The lunar disk is entirely bereft of shadows during the full moon phase, making this the perfect time to trace the outline of lunar maria — where lava flows filled colossal impact basins billions of years ago before hardening to form sweeping basaltic plains.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 May 2026
Former candidates Two current Jackson County leaders briefly campaigned for a full-time seat as county executive before exiting the race in recent days, leaving a field bereft of current legislators.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
There had been one ceremony after another for the Kings’ all-time leading scorer, but Anže Kopitar’s farewell game was largely bereft of pomp, circumstance and, for his squad, offense.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bereft
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Observing tips The lunar disk is entirely bereft of shadows during the full moon phase, making this the perfect time to trace the outline of lunar maria — where lava flows filled colossal impact basins billions of years ago before hardening to form sweeping basaltic plains.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 May 2026
Former candidates Two current Jackson County leaders briefly campaigned for a full-time seat as county executive before exiting the race in recent days, leaving a field bereft of current legislators.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
There had been one ceremony after another for the Kings’ all-time leading scorer, but Anže Kopitar’s farewell game was largely bereft of pomp, circumstance and, for his squad, offense.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bereft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bereft
Adjective
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School Board leadership said Monday that the policy was formed with the help of bereaved mothers, mental health experts and high school principals.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
12 May 2026
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Carie Hallford was the public face of Return to Nature, dealing with bereaved customers at the couple's funeral home in Colorado Springs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Well it’s expected to make some big box office bucks this weekend, but sadly this reboot, simply called once again Scary Movie, is surprisingly devoid of many laughs.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
4 June 2026
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Although service is not quite polished, the happy-go-lucky Dutch-Caribbean staff are refreshingly devoid of attitude.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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And every day, across from them, outside the clinic, about to enter or just leaving, there were women hugging each other and weeping.—
David Mamet,
National Review,
11 Aug. 2022
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The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
8 Dec. 2021
Adjective
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Carting around unhappy campers in 100-degree weather and squeezing work into a shorter window is not exactly being poolside with a marg.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2026
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Mansfield city hall a point of contention Melissa Perez, who ultimately lost to Simmons in last year’s council race, is one of those unhappy with Mansfield’s leadership and its direction.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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The main character is an introverted English teacher named Richard Garay, who lives a very quiet and small life, in the shadow of his widowed mother.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
6 May 2026
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Several conspiracy theories have emerged in the wake of the assassination, taking an emotional toll on the widowed mother of two.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bereft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bereft. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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