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 sadly New York may not have a ton of active players competing for their countries at the continental competition beyond French power forward Guerschon Yabusele, but another technical Knicks asset is sadly ailing. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 The fates of so many were decided on the 1969 day when a dashing and sadly underestimated 25-year-old Colonel Qaddafi seized power from the monarchy in a matter of hours and promised a new golden era, inspired by Egypt’s President Nasser. Leila Latif, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025 The rest of the quintet — vocalist Dexter Holland, bassist Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist Jonah Nimoy and drummer Brandon Pertzborn — then joined in for a rocking (yet, sadly, abbreviated) take on that same album’s legendary title track. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025 But, sadly, this can be hard to repair once too far gone; naming the dynamic out loud can be daunting and awkward. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sadly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sadly
Adverb
  • Tom’s final epiphany related to his estranged son isn’t earned, but not because of Ruffalo; his performance cuts a fine line between bitterly self-destructive and warmly spiritual.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • San Francisco officials fought bitterly against Waymo and now-defunct Cruise robotaxis from General Motors, after their vehicles repeatedly blocked traffic and emergency vehicles, with Cruise the main perpetrator.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • There is a painfully revealing example in Emma where Miss Bates is telling Emma about Jane Fairfax’s prospects as a governess to the Sucklings’ friends the Smallridges.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
  • My day in court is painfully overdue.
    Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • For the role of Desmond, Wilder turned to Swanson, who in real life had also once existed among Hollywood’s loftiest ranks at the height of her career during the Silent Era of the 1920s and '30s, but had gradually — but not regretfully — followed other directions when her stardom waned.
    Scott Huver, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Both bravely and regretfully, Daniel shared how those feelings led him to treat his friends poorly.
    Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • That looks like a different Caleb Williams to me, so Ben Johnson's coached him hard this offseason.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The mixer's bowl boasts a distinctive walnut shade and wood grain pattern, and its food-safe seal means the bowl works hard (and looks good doing it).
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sadly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sadly. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sadly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!