DOLEFULNESS Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

dolefulness

noun

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

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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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for dolefulness

Noun

The researchers also detected differences in the brain activity associated with faces showing fear versus anger or sadness.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
Gastélum’s last posts on Instagram and TikTok have thousands of comments ranging from sadness to disbelief.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

Outpouring of grief The sound of sobbing underlays chanting in dozens of dialects woven together in a single expression of sorrow for Imam Hussein and his companions and family, killed and taken captive in the defining event of Shia Islam.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
Flitting between deadpan sorrow and impassioned romance, Bridgers’ album is alternately spooky, hilarious, mysterious and sneakily moving.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

In other writings found on her cellphone, Clancy detailed her anxiety and depression, challenges raising her children and her hesitation to take new medication.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Avoiding the storm-hindering winds would give it a better shot at becoming a tropical depression or storm.

— Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of depression

Noun

As time passes and questions remain unanswered, the film shows how grief connects, relationships change, and new perspectives emerge.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
For years, Kiganda channeled his grief into advocacy, participating in World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV.

— Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of grief

Noun

Almodóvar’s film focuses on the suffering caused by a terminal diagnosis, and the additional anguish incurred by not having the option of aid in dying.

— Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
With the help of an athletic trainer, Hoecht was guided to a bench and plopped down in anguish.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of anguish

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dolefully

dolefulness

dole out

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“Dolefulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dolefulness. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dolefulness

noun

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