lament 1 of 2

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as in to regret
to feel sorry or dissatisfied about the youth lamented not having spent more time with his late grandfather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lament

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lament differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lament are bemoan, bewail, and deplore. While all these words mean "to express grief or sorrow for something," lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow.

lamenting the loss of their only child

How do bewail and bemoan relate to one another, in the sense of lament?

Both bewail and bemoan imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, bewail commonly suggesting loudness, and bemoan lugubriousness.

fans bewailed the defeat
purists bemoaning the corruption of the language

When is it sensible to use deplore instead of lament?

The words deplore and lament are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value.

deplores the breakdown in family values

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 lament
Verb
Progress can’t be lamented, and this is progress whereby something better replaces the past. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The board laments the fact that the rich are self-funding their way to political power. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
As is so often the case when a Connecticut business closes, customers shared laments on social media. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2025 Over four seasons — and soon five — audiences have seen his character struggle to maintain a bond with his son, lament over what his career could have been and then come close to a second chance, and then even fall in love with Loretta (Meryl Streep). Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lament
Verb
  • Friends and coworkers continue to mourn her loss, remembering her optimism and generosity.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Donatella Versace, Milan’s mayor Giuseppe Sala and film directors Gabriele Salvatores and Giuseppe Tornatore were also among the crowds of people mourning.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While that's not uncommon, Powell warned that Snitker might regret that decision as Acuna has earned the right to hold onto a leading spot amid a slump.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The dead communist doesn’t live to regret underestimating Manville’s character, but others will — albeit less for her capability than for her willingness to fight back.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Her wails make Davina recall her own confinement, where she was treated similarly awfully and responded by cursing the women in the room.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025
  • An ambulance siren wails past, coming up from the river.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There’s nothing shiny and new to get excited about and so the apathy and dirge hasn’t been replaced.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Wylde seemed right at home recreating the droning opening dirge as the band slowed down into a stellar stoney groove throughout a standout moment Saturday night.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • The unfiltered electric soundtrack of the Evija goes from a piercing whine to an ear-splitting shriek.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Moscow’s escalating air war and the distinctive whine of Shaheds is now forcing Ukrainians out of their beds and into shelters and metro stations on an almost-nightly basis.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The venues shuttered in March 2020, at the onset of COVID, prompting public lamentations from filmmakers ranging from Barry Jenkins and Lulu Wang to Edgar Wright and Olivia Wilde.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2025
  • So this isn’t a lamentation that the Giants didn’t trade these players, per se.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This is her elegy, her memorial, her voice, her face.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Not every elegy comes in the form of a dying fall.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Most of these are held in a tent, from which loud, ecstatic moans can be heard for seemingly miles around.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Out comes another moan, this one closer to a laugh as Brandon’s face flashes a smile.
    Scott Craven, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lament. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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