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
The dog’s former owners regretted their decision and wanted to reconnect. Ashley Vega, People.com, 13 June 2025 Trump never stopped regretting that decision, and his quick move to escalate in Los Angeles looked like an exorcism of sorts. Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 12 June 2025
Noun
That’s why the mini-max regret framework can be so powerful. Brian Lasher, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 For many, this involves grappling with past choices, regrets and the journey toward reconciliation. Charles C. Daniels, CNBC, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for regret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regret
Verb
  • This week, many reopened, but workers lamented the lack of customers.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
  • On Monday, ahead of the briefing, Republican Sen. Mike Rounds lamented that security threats are something those in public service are unfortunately aware of.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • During last month’s clemency hearing, Hanson expressed remorse for his involvement in the crimes and apologized to the victims’ families.
    Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • The statement of remorse by Musk, who spent more than $250 million to help elect Trump in 2024, comes as observers have noticed another shift in his tone on social media toward the Administration.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Like Mayer, Duran repented for his miscue with a big knock.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025
  • Porter repented for a rough start to the series by scoring 21 points on 5-of-6 outside shooting.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • In very unhinged behavior, Lucy tracks Sophie down (after her boss expressly tells her the client doesn't want any contact whatsoever), and unsurprisingly, Sophie admonishes her for invading her privacy in an attempt to absolve her feelings of guilt.
    Aisha Harris, NPR, 21 June 2025
  • The Holocaust looms over discussions about Israel, with many claiming the country’s sense of historical guilt has made it, until recently, reluctant to criticize Israeli politics.
    Agnes Mueller, The Conversation, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • These lonely senior citizens arrive at a Los Angeles bungalow where Fish, newly discharged from an asylum, wrestles with an imagined demon and Poinsettia mourns a fantasy romance with composer Giacomo Puccini.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 June 2025
  • The Ultimate Angus Philly went the way of the Dodo almost 15 years ago, and customers have been mourning the discontinuation of The Three Cheese Steak Sandwich for the better part of a decade.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • She’s also never been afraid to use the power of shame.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
  • The entire sick process was recorded to elicit shame and more fear.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Regret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regret. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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