1
as in lame
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
one more sorry stunt like that and you'll be fired
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sad
causing unhappiness
we have sorry news to report tonight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
the ragtag circus was a sorry spectacle indeed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in ashamed
feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done
she's genuinely sorry for hurting his feelings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in unhappy
feeling unhappiness
was sorry to see the family farm being sold
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in heartbroken
expressing or suggesting mourning
those sorry rituals that we go through when somebody dies are not for the dead but for the living
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in poor
deserving of one's pity
some sorry wretch had the task of putting all of those files back in order
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
No one needed to feel sorry for her.
—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
By the end, he's alienated (sorry) his wife and children, among others.
—
Jesse Hassenger,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Betting odds courtesy of Brendan Sor…sorry, couldn’t resist.
—
Darren Cooper,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
The vinyl version features two photocards — sorry, trading cards — of Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov.
—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sorry
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
By the end, he's alienated (sorry) his wife and children, among others.
—
Jesse Hassenger,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Betting odds courtesy of Brendan Sor…sorry, couldn’t resist.
—
Darren Cooper,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
The vinyl version features two photocards — sorry, trading cards — of Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov.
—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sorry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sorry
Adjective
-
On paper, some of the six, all of whom are far-right conservatives, have enviable educational backgrounds, but the record has proven that each one is openly political and willing to rubber-stamp nearly all of DeSantis’ lame and unconstitutional policies.
-
In November 2008 an errant air strike, conducted under auspices of a lame-duck Bush administration, killed 37 civilians who were at a wedding party in Wech Baghtu, Afghanistan.
Adjective
-
Then Greene takes a long, sad subway ride home, and America learns that one of their favorite TV doctors isn't flawless.
-
Local foodies were sad to hear owner Sylvia Chung (Momma Chung) retired and closed the south Fort Worth restaurant in October of last year.
Adjective
-
After these first three majors — and after a pathetic showing this week at Shinnecock — there's no reason to bet against it.
-
The Right Now’s Diana Levy — the executive producer of the stunt — asked reporters to spread out in a way that would make the turnout appear as sparse (and therefore pathetic) as possible.
Adjective
-
Both candidates should be ashamed of themselves for intentionally ignoring a group of American citizens and voters.
-
Crowdpleasers are nothing to be ashamed of.
Adjective
-
Isdin Melatonik If traditional retinoids have left your sensitive skin unhappy, Isdin's Melatonik Recovery Night Serum offers a gentler approach with bakuchiol.
-
Brown and the Celtics have both since denied speculation that the 29-year-old second-team All-NBA selection was unhappy with his role in Boston.
Adjective
-
The courtroom was packed with heartbroken supporters wanting justice for Jor'Dynn as each woman stood silent in front of the judge.
-
There is nothing more evocative of a pure Love Island experience than a heartbroken rage split in costume.
Adjective
-
Rebecca Lowe joins Dan Patrick to discuss some of the top storylines around the World Cup, including Cristiano Ronaldo's poor play to start, the United States' potential and more.
-
Will the gap between rural and urban America – and the gap between rich and poor America – decline or grow?
Adjective
-
Completing the hat trick in pitiful style, Taking on the World was shot on a shoestring budget, helmed by the man behind Highlander III, and forced to rely on stock footage of real-life footballers.
-
Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
Cite this Entry
“Sorry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sorry. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
