1
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
that piece of junk is a pitiful excuse for a car
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lame
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
a pitiful coward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in poor
deserving of one's pity
pitiful orphans who had lost everything in the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pitiful
Will the harsh weather mean poor growth and pitiful harvests?
—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
8 May 2026
Written as a response to the utopian fiction that consumed Russia’s intelligentsia at the time, Notes from Underground is a mirror that reflects the ugliest, most pitiful aspects of humanity back at us.
—
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
These two beacons of truth and connoisseurs of mess have been bonded for over a decade, sharing the traumas of a crappy Boston dorm room and a pitiful Brooklyn dating scene.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
Most of the time, experts say, vaguebooking boils down to a pitiful plea for attention on the part of the poster.
—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
8 May 2026
Written as a response to the utopian fiction that consumed Russia’s intelligentsia at the time, Notes from Underground is a mirror that reflects the ugliest, most pitiful aspects of humanity back at us.
—
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
These two beacons of truth and connoisseurs of mess have been bonded for over a decade, sharing the traumas of a crappy Boston dorm room and a pitiful Brooklyn dating scene.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
Most of the time, experts say, vaguebooking boils down to a pitiful plea for attention on the part of the poster.
—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pitiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitiful
Adjective
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After these first three majors — and after a pathetic showing this week at Shinnecock — there's no reason to bet against it.
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The Right Now’s Diana Levy — the executive producer of the stunt — asked reporters to spread out in a way that would make the turnout appear as sparse (and therefore pathetic) as possible.
Adjective
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Stronger and more flavorful than in your original lame iteration?
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On paper, some of the six, all of whom are far-right conservatives, have enviable educational backgrounds, but the record has proven that each one is openly political and willing to rubber-stamp nearly all of DeSantis’ lame and unconstitutional policies.
Adjective
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Because of that, these hands suffer from high production costs, poor durability against impacts, short operational lifespans, and there are no existing solutions that engineers can readily draw upon, Wang added.
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The extreme heat can also affect people who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.
Adjective
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Then Greene takes a long, sad subway ride home, and America learns that one of their favorite TV doctors isn't flawless.
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Local foodies were sad to hear owner Sylvia Chung (Momma Chung) retired and closed the south Fort Worth restaurant in October of last year.
Adjective
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The revolution won’t come cheap.
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Across six online experiments, the researchers showed participants a cheaper lower-quality item such as a sweater alongside a pricier higher-quality version.
Adjective
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The Giants, who went on to lose yesterday, are now 31-46, and the vibes are wretched.
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Jones also further expounds on the vampire’s wretched lineage and mythology through flashbacks.
Adjective
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Most notably, though, is its easy-to-clean material, which one flight attendant appreciates when up against dirty baggage claims and surprise spills.
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Crafted with Grey Goose vodka and Carpano Dry Vermouth, the cocktail is prepared to each guest’s preference—whether dry, dirty, extra dirty, shaken or stirred—from the restaurant’s signature martini cart.
Adjective
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And Wilde’s couple is miserable in a way only Americans can be.
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Björck alone should make the Jets’ 2026 draft a win and help Jets fans move past the miserable season that led to the pick.
Cite this Entry
“Pitiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitiful. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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