sorrow 1 of 2

Definition of sorrownext

sorrow

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of sorrow are anguish, grief, regret, and woe. While all these words mean "distress of mind," sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse.

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

When might anguish be a better fit than sorrow?

While in some cases nearly identical to sorrow, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

When is it sensible to use grief instead of sorrow?

The synonyms grief and sorrow are sometimes interchangeable, but grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

When would regret be a good substitute for sorrow?

In some situations, the words regret and sorrow are roughly equivalent. However, regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities

When can woe be used instead of sorrow?

The words woe and sorrow can be used in similar contexts, but 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 sorrow
Verb
Oh dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 30 Jan. 2023 As the story of SoulShine's contribution made its way onto the news and social media, people expressed appreciation for Garem and the company's creative contributions –and sorrow that the task was required. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 1 June 2022
Noun
But the sorrow of it also springs from the fact that this president is trying to rewrite history, have a different narrative of what happened that day. ABC News, 28 Dec. 2025 The show's inherent sorrow is alleviated by Donahoe's sense of hope, humor, and the notion that being alive is beautiful. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sorrow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sorrow
Verb
  • According to a new Daily Mail report, Reiner’s grieving siblings, Jake and Romy, are not inclined to support any attempt by their brother to lessen his criminal responsibility for their parents’ murder.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband Ivara Esege, MD, are grieving an unimaginable loss.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ege, a 31-year-old special education teacher, ended up reaching out to the group Families for Safe Streets, whose members showed up at their apartment shortly after Musyoka’s death to help them through those initial days and weeks of grief.
    Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • We’re largely left to imagine her fears for an uncertain future, her grief for an unknown, unborn child and her thoughts on becoming a symbolic figure in the outside world, with another woman’s name to boot.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn the death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers.
    Tim Sullivan, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
  • And as the university mourns Ward’s death, Self helped to put the win in perspective.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • No adolescent defiance or child’s anguish was visible on his face now.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Some critics called for more editorial discipline in the film, or found Lawrence’s onscreen spin cycle of anguish, which involves literally clawing her way up walls or flinging herself through glass doors, to be repetitive.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • What begins as a casual conversation about the weather and aching hips gradually deepens into an unexpected friendship – and perhaps something more.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Listeria infection also causes fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.
    McClatchy Media, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Hundreds of people expressed their heartbreak at the news on social media, citing the drag queen bingo nights at the Cedar Room, live music and comedy and other programs that made the theater-going experience more fun.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The family’s heartbreak began when Sewell Setzer III died by suicide in February 2024.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Rothbauer, the bartender, sighs.
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Affleck sighs and rolls her eyes.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sorrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sorrow. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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