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Synonym Chooser

How is the word pitiable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of pitiable are contemptible, despicable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

When might contemptible be a better fit than pitiable?

The synonyms contemptible and pitiable are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

In what contexts can despicable take the place of pitiable?

The words despicable and pitiable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of pitiable?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When is sorry a more appropriate choice than pitiable?

The meanings of sorry and pitiable largely overlap; however, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

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 pitiable Wilson puts most of his aw-shucks charm to the side to play this spacey wannabe, portraying Eli instead with a pitiable whine or some far-out detachment. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 Nowhere good, is the answer, as these pitiable, middle-aged misfits gradually reveal lives that are likely unsalvageable. Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 1 May 2025 In some ways, both DeSantis and Poilievre are pitiable. Drew Nelles, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 Trump is enacting Project 2025 nearly to the letter, deploying executive orders, lawsuits, and rhetorical bombast in an effort to force judges, law firms, cultural institutions, university presidents, and press barons into postures of pitiable obedience. David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pitiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitiable
Adjective
  • The Browns have scored the second-fewest points in the NFL, ahead of only the pitiful Tennessee Titans.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • On the side of the highway, Wilson cuts a pitiful, solitary figure.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Characters can be pathetic, and frank about their Toledo Truth Teller’s bleak prospects.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Jimmy Kimmel is a pathetic hate monger.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • My adolescent cells floated away from poor me and traded places with his.
    Betty Gilpin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Women disproportionately suffer chronic disease, on average spend 25% more time in poor health than men, and, on average, experience the final 12 to 14 years of their lives in frail health.
    Maria Shriver, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cardinals have historically refrained from operating with a lame-duck manager.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Another main issue is that the power grind itself now being the endgame is no longer a good motivator to play, nor is the Tier system with 3s not much different than 4s or 5s, and all past weapons being somewhat lame now outside of that system entirely.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • How’s this for a sad old country tune?
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The results were a shock to the family, but one that was tinged with a sad realization.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When the din inside Rams Park had finally subsided, Arne Slot attempted to put a positive spin on a wretched night for Liverpool.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Yes, Baltimore’s defense is wretched, so don’t count on this being a cure-all, exactly.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Multiverse’s argument that compressed models significantly cut energy use might also not hold up over time, because cheaper, more accessible AI models will likely attract billions more users.
    Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The judge While Royal Caribbean’s attorney dispute the rebuttal, the matter now falls to Judge Shaw-Wlider, who will make a ruling that will be closely watched and could have important consequences, especially in a digital age when cameras are smaller and cheaper.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Boise State generally made life miserable for Layne, the Idaho Vandals transfer who followed his coach, Jason Eck, from Moscow to Albuquerque.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Brandon Marsh, who produced after a miserable April, looks more like a strong-side platoon corner outfielder than an everyday center fielder.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pitiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitiable. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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