DIRGE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

dirge

noun

ˈdərj

Definition of dirge

as in lament

a composition expressing one's grief over a loss bagpipes played a haunting dirge at the funeral for the fallen leader

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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 dirge This offers respite from the music ever feeling too dirge-like. — Brendan Hay, SPIN, 1 May 2026 The pioneering alt-country band returns with its first album in 30 years—a set of cryptic, languid dirges that feels defiantly out-of-time. — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026 Last year’s version had two good performances, in Onya and Jewels, and was otherwise a total dirge. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2026 Swedish singer-composer Anna von Hausswolff, whose cathedral melodies, intense vocals and doom-laden dirges share much in common with Nordic heavy-metal culture, specializes in mystery and grandiosity. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dirge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirge

Noun

That ambiguity is echoed in Banks’ score, which takes on the tone of a lament and a celebration, frustration and hope, struggle and liberation, the quest for transcendence in the face of the challenges posed by daunting inequities.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
The other main track of Diamanda’s career is her interpretations of old standards, Gospel songs, laments, and folk tunes.

— Matt Thompson, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of lament

Noun

In some ways, Birthright is an elegy to the Jewish experience in America—a place where Israel has been centered as our refuge and rightful homeland for the last 76-odd years.

— Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
But that selflessness comes to feel like the point of this lingering, resonantly sad film — above all else, an elegy for lives unseen and unknown.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 July 2026

Definition of elegy

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direful

dirge

dirgelike

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“Dirge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirge. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dirge

noun

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