DOLEFUL Synonyms: 202 Similar and Opposite Words

doleful

adjective

ˈdōl-fəl

as in mournful

expressing or suggesting mourning a doleful expression on their faces as they said good-bye to the friends they had made over the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sad

feeling unhappiness the visibly doleful players, heartbroken about their loss

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 doleful Her Night Moves may have been a thriller, though its focus was less the act of environmental sabotage that its characters carried out than its doleful aftermath. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025 James, with his doleful countenance, makes the adult Hal vaguely sympathetic. —

Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 Krauss’s ethereal voice is as haunting as ever on this mournful ballad, where doleful lyrics look back on a time marked by regret and deceit, and get elevated by the elegant interplay between Krauss’ voice and Jerry Douglas’s soul-piercing steel guitar. —

Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025 The song begins with Iommi’s signature doleful blues soloing before kicking into a doomy groove. —

Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for doleful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doleful

Adjective

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
His face, always stationed somewhere halfway to hangdog, seems to gain 20 new creases carved deep into his skin, accentuating his mournful eyes and his excruciated, heartbroken smile.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026