1
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory
this report is simply wretched—you'll have to rewrite it
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2
as in pitiful
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
a wretched lie
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3
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
lived alone in a wretched room in a run-down hotel
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4
as in poor
falling short of a standard
a wretched attempt at writing an original song
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5
as in unhappy
feeling unhappiness
she was wretched for weeks after breaking up with her boyfriend
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6
as in vile
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency
his wretched treatment of women earned him a bad reputation
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7
as in cheap
of low quality
wretched goods that aren't even worth half of what the store is charging for them
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8
as in pathetic
deserving of one's pity
those wretched souls who cannot even afford a decent roof over their heads
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9
as in miserable
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
the pampered socialite complained that the only room available was in a wretched little motel by the highway
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wretched
Still, Ohm is more despairing and miserable than any of the wretched worms Scott has acted to date.
—
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Sullivan has run a refreshing offseason, considering his wretched inheritance.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Now, Shinia is being given the business by Miranda, who has been put in a truly wretched position.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
As with much else in this wretched administration, the initial refusal to review Moderna’s vaccine was a transparent pretext for officials to pursue political and ideological preferences under the guise of regular government administration.
—The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wretched
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Sullivan has run a refreshing offseason, considering his wretched inheritance.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Now, Shinia is being given the business by Miranda, who has been put in a truly wretched position.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
As with much else in this wretched administration, the initial refusal to review Moderna’s vaccine was a transparent pretext for officials to pursue political and ideological preferences under the guise of regular government administration.
—The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wretched
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wretched
Adjective
-
Residents describe ‘a terrible night’ More than 30 people were injured in the apartment building collapse, while emergency workers rescued 28 residents, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.—
Samya Kullab,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
And some were not kind to him on social media following the terrible first round.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 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
Adjective
-
While the overall state of the Angels remains bleak – their 18-34 record is the worst in the majors – on this night the fans could enjoy a rare break from the misery.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
-
In a world that often feels increasingly bleak and politically exhausted, there’s comfort in leaning into softness, seduction, and fantasy, and in letting your wardrobe reflect that desire too.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
22 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
-
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
-
The land of the southern hemisphere pulled away from this vile impactor, restructuring itself in the northern hemisphere.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
11 May 2026
-
Fleeing Salzburg and his father’s (Jonathan Aris) iron fist and emphasis on perfection, Mozart, armed with his compositions, vile language and impulsivity, is determined to take on the city.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Take the quiz here … SHELL GAME — America's cheapest popcorn shrimp basket at a chain restaurant costs under $9.—
,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
-
Sweeney says beginners should start with a trusty can of spray paint, an orbital sander and some cheap hardware.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
22 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
Cite this Entry
“Wretched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wretched. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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