Definition of sorrynext
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as in unhappy
feeling unhappiness was sorry to see the family farm being sold

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sorry different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sorry are contemptible, despicable, pitiable, and scurvy. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

When is contemptible a more appropriate choice than sorry?

The meanings of contemptible and sorry largely overlap; however, contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When might despicable be a better fit than sorry?

The synonyms despicable and sorry are sometimes interchangeable, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

Where would pitiable be a reasonable alternative to sorry?

While in some cases nearly identical to sorry, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of sorry?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

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 sorry As for Erling Haaland — sorry, but for a pure goalscorer, four non-penalty goals since Christmas doesn’t quite merit recognition. Michael Cox, New York Times, 8 May 2026 Just last year, the Trust for Public Land scored the city way down at 90th out of 100 cities, the kind of mortifying ranking usually occupied in other categories by Mississippi (sorry, Mississippi). Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 Some personalities, though, just will never make the cut – sorry, Jar Jar. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2026 This is beyond insane, and a sorry excuse for the state of the Supreme Court. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sorry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sorry
Adjective
  • By the way, getting excited about a schedule release even on the face of it, without all the pomp and circumstance of social media managers sniffing their own farts, is lame.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • This idea that just sitting with your face buried in your phone when you’re supposed to be in a social setting—that’s lame, right?
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The failure of so many in the political world to speak up displays a sad and growing moral bankruptcy.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
  • Don’t be sad — this is not a farewell forever.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Like everyone else, Ryan only calls him lonely and pathetic.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 May 2026
  • Just an old, insufferable, pathetic, sad loser.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Don’t be ashamed to reach out for help for how to do this or to try new methods to increase arousal.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 18 May 2026
  • Padilla and Damon’s characters are driven to near-madness over the blue spots, with Damon’s husband character accusing their son, a delightfully ashamed Andrew Dismukes.
    Rima Parikh, Vulture, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • With the Mets taking a 2-1 lead, Rodón, clearly unhappy, appeared to curse at himself as Austin Wells patted him on the shoulder.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2026
  • Janet reportedly attended an early private screening of the rough cut of the film and walked away pretty unhappy.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • At the center of the story is Juan Faura, played by an impressive Iván Pellicer, a disillusioned and heartbroken young man apparently eager to die in combat.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • Fans of Neese’s are heartbroken.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • After wildfires hit Georgia in April 2026 fueled by a rain deficit, high winds and low humidity, — among other causes, per NASA — neighboring states got slammed with poor air quality alerts.
    Ryan Brennan May 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
  • However his attitude on health care and taxes places Newsom at odds with advocates for poor Californians who would be affected and their allies in the Legislature, many of whom want a tax increase.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Chilling moments like this are the lifeblood of The Dreamed Adventure, the moments that recall the pitiful last days of the dying communist era and the violent, mafia-style economics that whooshed in to replace them.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 May 2026
  • There’s a mentality problem — that’s highlighted by a pitiful return of just one point out of a possible 24 away from home this season against teams in the top nine.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sorry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sorry. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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