Thesaurus

woe

Q: How is the word 'woe' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of woe are anguish , grief , regret , and sorrow . While all these words mean "distress of mind," woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery. // cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

Q: When is it sensible to use 'anguish' instead of 'woe'?

The meanings of anguish and woe largely overlap; however, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread. // the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

Q: When is 'grief' a more appropriate choice than 'woe'?

The words grief and woe can be used in similar contexts, but grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause. // the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

Q: Where would 'regret' be a reasonable alternative to 'woe'?

While the synonyms regret and woe are close in meaning, regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse. // nagging regret for missed opportunities

Q: When can 'sorrow' be used instead of 'woe'?

While in some cases nearly identical to woe , sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse. // a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

interjection

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Synonyms & Antonyms of woe

(Entry 1 of 2)

used to express sorrow or distress

ah, woe, with the death of the last of my siblings I am alone in this world!

Synonyms for woe

alack,
alas,
ay,
wirra
[Irish]

Words Related to woe

ouch,
ow

bah,
boo,
faugh,
fie,
ho hum,
humph,
pish,
pooh,
pshaw,
tsk,
tush,
tut,
yuck
(also yuk)

Near Antonyms for woe

ha,
hey,
hooray
(also hurrah or hurray),
hot dog,
wahoo
[chiefly West],
whee,
whoopee,
wow,
yahoo,
yippee

woe

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of woe (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a state of great suffering of body or mind

a tale of misery and woe

Synonyms for woe

Words Related to woe

discomfort

emergency,
pinch

Near Antonyms for woe

peace,
security

well-being

2 deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved

the incessant woe that has haunted her since the death of her husband

Synonyms for woe

Words Related to woe

Near Antonyms for woe

enjoyment

Antonyms for woe

Frequently Asked Questions About woe

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

Some common synonyms of woe are anguish, grief, regret, and sorrow. While all these words mean "distress of mind," woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery.

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

When is it sensible to use anguish instead of woe?

The meanings of anguish and woe largely overlap; however, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

When is grief a more appropriate choice than woe?

The words grief and woe can be used in similar contexts, but grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

Where would regret be a reasonable alternative to woe?

While the synonyms regret and woe are close in meaning, regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities