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
But, as with effectively a new group needing to gel, time was always going to be required for heroes to emerge and inspire terrace chants to replace or supplement the ditties to ‘Super Paul Mullin’, ‘White Pele’ (Elliot Lee) et al.
—
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 May 2026
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
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ditties
Noun
-
Devin Archer richly interprets Emile’s romantic ballads, French accent and all, while Cindy Chang brings some honest dignity to Bloody Mary and Anthony Maggio’s Cabel goes far beyond the standard-issue tenor.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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From Croatian folk and Czech power ballads to Serbian prog-metal and Swedish techno, here’s a look at the runners and riders from worst to best.—
Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The show is designed to teach life skills through music, from trying new veggies to winding down for bed, with songs and content that have become a go-to resource for millions of parents looking to learn and bond with their children.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
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In fact, she’s been struggling to write songs for several years due to the traumatic experience of being raped in high school.—
Katie Mannion,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Blues developed after the Civil War (1861–65) and was influenced by 19th-century work songs and field hollers, minstrel show music, ragtime, and church music such as spirituals and hymns, as well as the folk and popular music of white Southerners.—
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
15 May 2026
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The inspiring and idiosyncratic debut from a 53-year-old priest in Greece pinballs between drone metal and techno Christmas carols, field recordings and hymns.—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Shakira is no stranger to World Cup anthems.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 May 2026
-
There are empowering anthems and devastating love songs.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Commercial news bulletins are generally shorter than news bulletins on public or community stations and can also feature advertisements and jingles.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 May 2026
-
The most immediate disruption may appear in commercial niches such as advertising jingles or podcast themes.—
Steven Melendez,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Rob turtled inside the plastic covering while viewers heard a soundtrack of tritely soulful country lyrics about being a house of cards that’s about to break.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
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Frank Sinatra would never have allowed that monster in the White House to use his music or put his lyrics in his mouth.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ditties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ditties. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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