1
as in mournful
expressing or suggesting mourning
the woeful expressions of the players after the humiliating loss
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sad
feeling unhappiness
never saw a more woeful-looking bunch than those campers sitting there in the drenching rain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
the restaurant patron made the woeful discovery that he had left his wallet at home
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of woeful
Anthony Edwards had 32 points and 14 rebounds and Naz Reid added 18 points and nine rebounds for the Wolves, whose defense kept them alive after a woeful start but allowed the Spurs to shoot 6 for 10 from 3-point range in the pivotal third quarter.
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CBS News,
9 May 2026
Or a Magic loss two days later to the woeful Pacers.
—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
This is not a woeful kind of thing.
—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
24 Apr. 2026
The Thunder had a woeful stretch, going 22-50 in 2020-21 and 24-58 a year later.
—
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for woeful
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Or a Magic loss two days later to the woeful Pacers.
—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
This is not a woeful kind of thing.
—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
24 Apr. 2026
The Thunder had a woeful stretch, going 22-50 in 2020-21 and 24-58 a year later.
—
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for woeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for woeful
Adjective
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The years have only intensified Zimmerman’s mournful, hushed vocal performance, and Dream Me a Dream often plays out like a bedtime story spun by a beloved elder, accompanied by soft strings, shakers, and even a synth or two.
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The drama can stir up nostalgia and mournful emotions, and feels personal to many.
Adjective
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Then Greene takes a long, sad subway ride home, and America learns that one of their favorite TV doctors isn't flawless.
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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
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Kara isn’t the only superhero with a tragic origin story – but unlike, say, that guy who dresses up as a bat and fights crime after the deaths of his mom and dad, Kara hits up a dive bar and plays with her dog to cope.
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Following the tragic incident, Aiden has been remembered for his kindness and intense drive.
Adjective
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And every day, across from them, outside the clinic, about to enter or just leaving, there were women hugging each other and weeping.
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The show manages to stay on the brink — always laughing, never quite weeping — for its entire length.
Adjective
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Isdin Melatonik If traditional retinoids have left your sensitive skin unhappy, Isdin's Melatonik Recovery Night Serum offers a gentler approach with bakuchiol.
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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
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The visible gap for the door mechanism running across the rear fenders is unfortunate, especially since more basic minivans showcase clean surfaces there.
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Here's Sophie Cunningham dominating another pre-game entrance before an unfortunate loss to Angel Reese last night.
Adjective
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The courtroom was packed with heartbroken supporters wanting justice for Jor'Dynn as each woman stood silent in front of the judge.
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There is nothing more evocative of a pure Love Island experience than a heartbroken rage split in costume.
Adjective
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Bryson, in particular, has looked miserable all season.
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Despite concerns that the conflict in the Middle East would further squeeze a flagging labor market, hiring has picked up in recent months following a miserable 2025 that saw fewer than 200,000 job gains.
Cite this Entry
“Woeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/woeful. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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