regret 1 of 2

as in to lament
to feel sorry or dissatisfied about we regret any inconvenience that we may have caused you

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

regret

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word regret different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of regret are anguish, grief, sorrow, and woe. While all these words mean "distress of mind," regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities

Where would anguish be a reasonable alternative to regret?

In some situations, the words anguish and regret are roughly equivalent. However, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

In what contexts can grief take the place of regret?

The meanings of grief and regret largely overlap; however, grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

When might sorrow be a better fit than regret?

The words sorrow and regret can be used in similar contexts, but sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse.

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

When could woe be used to replace regret?

While in some cases nearly identical to regret, woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery.

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

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 regret
Verb
However, these actions often lead to regret, resentment and a loss of self-identity. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Elsner regretted being unable to do more to create views of Lake Michigan from Lake Park, Howland said. Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
But now, two years later, he is haunted by regret. Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Sprinkling ‘70s-style ceramics on the plaster fireplace winked at the past with zero regret. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regret
Verb
  • Standing outside the parish, Walz solemnly addressed reporters, lamenting that press conferences like this one had become all too common.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham lamented the team’s failure to stop the Bulldogs’ explosiveness.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Justice Christopher Beale said the substantial planning of the murders and Patterson's lack of remorse meant her sentence should be lengthy.
    Alasdair Pal, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Suarez issued an apology last Thursday, expressing deep remorse.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
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
Noun
  • So, foster an environment where taking time off is normalized and supported, not something that creates anxiety or guilt.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Commenters asked her lots of questions about the case, including what evidence convinced her of Donna’s guilt.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But people can get very emotional about money, experiencing feelings from scarcity and fear to greed, anxiety, shame, and guilt.
    Gabriel Shahin, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The shame falls on the person who betrayed me.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Regret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regret. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on regret

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