1
as in pitiful
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
the sales presentation was a pitiable display of ineptitude and disorganization
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
a pitiable attempt at singing that generated snickers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in poor
deserving of one's pity
a pitiable, starving old dog
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pitiable
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
Federal aid cuts are likely, given the current dismantling of our nation’s already-pitiable social safety net.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
Part of that is Doug, who is too pitiable to make a compelling center.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
Visiting the White Lotus’ Thailand hotel to learn new techniques and share her own, Belinda’s arc is less pitiable this season, but her purpose is arguably even more critical.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitiable
David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Federal aid cuts are likely, given the current dismantling of our nation’s already-pitiable social safety net.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
Part of that is Doug, who is too pitiable to make a compelling center.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
Visiting the White Lotus’ Thailand hotel to learn new techniques and share her own, Belinda’s arc is less pitiable this season, but her purpose is arguably even more critical.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitiable
Adjective
-
For example, the 1890s saw the Royal Observatory hire women for the first time, who worked for a pitiful wage as 'computers' to examine and refine observational data.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
22 June 2025
-
There is nothing deficient, unnatural or pitiful about being single, as we’re often led to believe.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
So why did a chess engine that came under the pathetic category and only looks one move ahead not just defeat but humiliate ChatGPT?—
David Szondy
June 15,
New Atlas,
15 June 2025
-
Not because ownership has had a change of heart, but rather as a way to address their pathetic offense.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
In past decades, this stage was easy to spot: clashing colors, poor makeup attempts, and wardrobes inspired by favorite TV stars.—
Dia Gallo,
Parents,
17 June 2025
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Due to poor cell reception in the area, 911 calls kept dropping as witnesses scrambled to reach first responders.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.—
Kevin Fisher-Paulson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 June 2021
-
My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.—
Tim Neville,
Outside Online,
23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
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Two screenshots from the video showing Ollie was a sad facial expression.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
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The building directly across the street stands in sad disrepair, its windows smashed, swathed in graffiti, a front garage door hangs half-open.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Mings watched on from the Wembley steps as an unused substitute during the wretched FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace, many fans believing his skill set was better suited to deal with Palace’s counter-attacking threat.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
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Fernandes, who’s been at Old Trafford since 2020, chalked up 19 goals and 20 assists in all competitions during a wretched 2024/25 campaign for the Red Devils.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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These Golden Hour Savings deals bring these loafers’ price tag down to as low as $52, which is much cheaper than most leather (or vegan leather) loafers.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
26 June 2025
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However, thimerosal is more common elsewhere in the world for various multi-dose vaccine vials, which are cheaper than the single-dose vials more commonly used in the US.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Championship-only fandom is a largely miserable existence.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
19 June 2025
-
Unexpectedly miserable league seasons last time around for Tottenham and Manchester United — the final opponents at the Amex Stadium next May — are another reason why forecasting is hazardous, especially in Brighton’s case.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pitiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitiable. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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