deplore

Definition of deplorenext
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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 In a demonstration of how polarizing a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to deplore his capture and celebrate it. Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026 The operation, widely deplored by the United Nations General Assembly, ended on November 3, with more than 100 dead. CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026 Among the celebrities to deplore the news of Norwood being signed to an agency are Emily Blunt, Toni Colette, Melissa Barrera, Natasha Lyonne and Whoopi Goldberg. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025 China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the move. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deplore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deplore
Verb
  • Cooper Freeman, Alaska director at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, sharply criticized the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Plenty of those who populate that category are championed instead of criticized.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • As Hinkley’s family and fiancée mourn the loss of a young man who still had his entire future ahead of him, prosecutors emphasized the scrutiny applied when criminal allegations involve an on-duty law enforcement officer.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • The burning of Notre-Dame reminded humanity how to mourn a tragedy.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • That’s why some business owners quickly regret retiring—sometimes within just a few months.
    Scott Snider, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • And instantly regretted it, and submitted my resignation at the end of the day.
    Kurt Andersen, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump blames vandalism for the troubles with the reflecting pool renovation, announces people are being arrested.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The logic here is highly questionable — dying for your queen and dying by her hand are not equivalent sacrifices — but let’s blame Lorent’s lapse in judgment on the chaos of the moment.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Canada’s first-ever World Cup win was overshadowed yesterday when midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg after a tackle that left teammates shaken and coach Jesse Marsch lamenting an injury that turned a night of celebration into one of anguish.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • With the old global trade regime in shambles, European officials lamented the new world order.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The Department of Licenses and Inspections responded to the scene and condemned the house, which sustained considerable damage.
    Laura Fay, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • While Washington blamed Iran and condemned the attack, Gulf states were left with lingering questions about the extent of American willingness to confront Tehran on their behalf.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Other Ukrainian officials denounced Poland’s move.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2026
  • Crowds have gathered around it in protest and in praise to denounce American wars, and hear great voices sing and speak.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Guerra said while Bass can do much of her job from another city for a day, a mayor is often faulted for not being front and center during an emergency.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • In a scathing report released earlier this month, state investigators faulted the camp for inadequate advance emergency planning, storm preparation, evacuations and incident management.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deplore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deplore. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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