1
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
with the resigned dolefulness of an athlete who knows his playing days are over, he cleared out his locker for the last time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sorrow
deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved
a period of dolefulness that seemed to last forever for the widower
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dolefulness
Noun
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There is only sadness that they're gone.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026 -
Osanmoh notes that although losing might elicit some feelings of sadness, disappointment, and even anger in kids of all ages, this outcome has serious value.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Faced with the closure announcement on Facebook, commenters quickly expressed sorrow — and reminisced.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
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Buford’s issued a statement Monday expressing sorrow for the victims and thanking law enforcement.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.—
Karen Garcia,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
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People seeking support often present with overlapping challenges such as anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma histories, chronic stress or relationship difficulties.—
Gwilym Roddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, a gripping portrait of a young prince caught between action and inaction, grief and rage, truth and deception.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
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From providing advocacy and helping residents process their grief to connecting them with mental health resources and training for violence prevention.—
Mariana Navarrete Villegas,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Experiencing that joy and anguish can be beneficial for this still-developing group.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Cue awe-inspiring action sequences, gory battles and mental anguish that pushes Ritchson, er, 81, to his physical limits.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On his early records, the London musician made do with saxophone alone, looping and layering his instrument into billowing expressions of foghorn melancholy.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
26 Feb. 2026
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Turner plays the middle brother with intriguing melancholy and an almost alien detachment, which works within the world this film creates, but not necessarily for a main character.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dolefulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dolefulness. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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