as in ballads
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment
sung a little ditty in a minor key
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Recent Examples of ditties
The songs, by Randy Newman, are simple but charming little ditties, particularly the ensemble numbers where this makeshift band of misfits express their devotion to one another.
—
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
These plinking, whimsical ditties—each song lasts but a minute or two at most— are evocative in their simplicity, but deceptively rich in texture.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Later, orange lanterns carrying well-wishes floated toward the stars, mingling with the distant strains of Lao ditties from the karaoke machines of the ramshackle bars that lined the banks.
—Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
However, there are some quirky ditties that even multigenerational Southerners might not have ever heard, or that people commonly use in the wrong way.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
But perhaps the best aspect of Update was the return of Jane Wickline’s offbeat keyboard ditties.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2025
Themes of community and sacrifice abound, as do bluegrass ditties penned by Paul Williams.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
She’s best known for her enthusiastic and approachable ditties on key subjects, like potty training.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
These plinking, whimsical ditties—each song lasts but a minute or two at most— are evocative in their simplicity, but deceptively rich in texture.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Later, orange lanterns carrying well-wishes floated toward the stars, mingling with the distant strains of Lao ditties from the karaoke machines of the ramshackle bars that lined the banks.
—Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
However, there are some quirky ditties that even multigenerational Southerners might not have ever heard, or that people commonly use in the wrong way.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
But perhaps the best aspect of Update was the return of Jane Wickline’s offbeat keyboard ditties.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2025
Themes of community and sacrifice abound, as do bluegrass ditties penned by Paul Williams.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
She’s best known for her enthusiastic and approachable ditties on key subjects, like potty training.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ditties
Noun
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The ballads speak about love, but from a relaxed place.—
Adelle Platon,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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Interspersed with folk ballads, this fantasia-like play certainly creates a mood, but struggles to tell a cohesive story.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That qualifies as a bold move in an era when legendary and up-and-coming artists alike often hesitate to perform even one or two songs from their latest albums — the better to avoid an exodus of attendees making a beeline for refreshments, restrooms or the merch booths.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Her songs in the film — written by Charli xcx, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs, who also co-stars — also have real pop bona fides.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The hour-long event included mournful hymns, prayers and the laying of wreaths by the participants, which included representatives from many countries around the world.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
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Christian hymns were sung in English and Creole.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Through more than 200 interviews and a blend of entertainment and education, the podcast highlights Kuti’s impact while incorporating the voices of women in his life and showcasing his musical works as anthems for freedom.—
Patrick Hipes,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
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Teenagers scaled Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge and blasted revolutionary anthems by artists whose songs captured young people’s frustrations with the regime.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The most immediate disruption may appear in commercial niches such as advertising jingles or podcast themes.—
Steven Melendez,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2026
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The jingles and sounders used to identify CBS News network programming heard on the stations for decades have also been part of the listening experience.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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John Lennon basically saw a poster for a circus event with Henry the Horse, so that essentially became the lyrics to that song.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
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As usual, Bey’s lyrics touch on heavy themes without pressing on them.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ditties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ditties. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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