deplore

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as in to regret
to feel sorry or dissatisfied about deplored the fact that his guests were seeing his apartment at its messiest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deplore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deplore are bemoan, bewail, and lament. While all these words mean "to express grief or sorrow for something," deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value.

deplores the breakdown in family values

How are the words bewail and bemoan related as synonyms of deplore?

Both 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 is lament a more appropriate choice than deplore?

The synonyms lament and deplore are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 deplore Surely, Beijing would use its growing diplomatic muscle to isolate Israel and the U.S., demand an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, and introduce a resolution deploring the two governments that were attacking China’s ally. Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 In a red-and-blue America, people are accustomed to political parties, as much as many deplore them. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025 There is no more point in deploring this more analytic than agitational iteration of Marxism than in celebrating it. Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 The issue before us right now is not principally the character of Donald Trump, which is exalted by his supporters, deplored by his opponents and generally disregarded by the plurality of the electorate. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deplore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deplore
Verb
  • Some council members have criticized the proposal, citing a lack of communication and calling the move premature.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • So far, the league’s response has been not to fix the issue but, instead, to levy fines against players and coaches who criticize refs.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As Black women mourn her loss and grapple with the realities of a capitalist system that devalues our lives and labor, we are comforted by the legacy Assata Shakur leaves behind.
    Essence, Essence, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Critics are now questioning the culture of risky livestream stunts, while supporters mourn a creator who inspired millions with his passion for flight.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Common pitfalls and how to avoid them The quickest path to regret is chasing a very low hairline or a huge graft count without donor management.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • That group tends to regret not selling way more than those who did sell regret selling.
    Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some of their struggles can be blamed on a tough slate of defenses.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Real leadership requires a basic understanding of facts and a desire to do more than just blame others.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The president lamented about the lack of applause from the crowd.
    Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • After the game, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky lamented his team’s lack of connectivity.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Several Democratic officials swiftly condemned the agents’ actions as excessive and dangerous.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Schumer later condemned the president for poking fun at federal turmoil.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The age of the Ayatollahs After the fall of the Shah in January 1979, the nascent Islamic Republic denounced his aggressive modernization drive inspired by the West.
    Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In a previous statement to Fox News Digital, UNC denounced political violence and vowed to investigate Dixon’s involvement in the organization.
    Julia Bonavita , Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As the government shutdown began, polls showed voters were divided on who to blame, with many faulting both parties.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • As the winds intensified, power lines across the city started to fault.
    Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deplore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deplore. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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