1
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
2
as in sad
feeling unhappiness
the visibly doleful players, heartbroken about their loss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of doleful
His doleful father, portrayed by Paul Dooley in a magically right match of performer and material, despairs for his blithely romantic son’s future.
—
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
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
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
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
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
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 drama can stir up nostalgia and mournful emotions, and feels personal to many.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
On the soundtrack, mournful wailing music presents her as a tragic character.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The sad thing for me is that, as a young actor, there was a platform for small independent films that were interesting.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
11 June 2026
-
Someone said an ending can be both happy and sad at the same time, which is surely correct.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
And every day, across from them, outside the clinic, about to enter or just leaving, there were women hugging each other and weeping.—
David Mamet,
National Review,
11 Aug. 2022
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The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
8 Dec. 2021
Adjective
-
The European Commission froze billions of euros in funds for Hungary in response to democratic backsliding led by Orbán, and concern lingers about the damage that can be done when one unhappy government insists on wielding its veto.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
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Social media is making children unhappy and is designed to be addictive, Starmer said at a press conference.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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The burial ceremony will comprise of a two-day farewell to the slain former leader in Tehran and a funeral procession through the capital.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Christ Temple Apostolic Church-Sacramento said her family is still arranging funeral details and did not share when the service would be.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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Barry follows a depressed ex‑Marine hitman (Hader, in the title role) who turns to acting for salvation while tangling with the Chechen mob in Los Angeles.—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
16 June 2026
-
Epstein seemed to feel increasingly depressed about the conditions of his incarceration.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
This new dating trend is leaving people baffled and heartbroken.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
-
As word spread of Riley's death, his heartbroken family led the public tributes.—
Kathleen Perricone,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
What started off as a miserable day to be outside due to temperatures well over 80, as well as a brief rainfall, all those issues were forgotten after once the skies cleared up.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
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Despite concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could further squeeze a flagging labor market, hiring has picked up in recent months following a miserable 2025 that saw fewer than 200,000 job gains.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Doleful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doleful. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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