Thesaurus results for DEPLORE

Q: How does the verb 'deplore' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deplore are bemoan , bewail , and lament . While all these words mean "to express grief or sorrow for something," deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value. // deplores the breakdown in family values

Q: How are the words 'bewail' and 'bemoan' related as synonyms of 'deplore'?

Both bewail and bemoan imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, bewail commonly suggesting loudness, and bemoan lugubriousness. // fans bewailed the defeat // purists bemoaning the corruption of the language

Q: When is 'lament' a more appropriate choice than 'deplore'?

The synonyms lament and deplore are sometimes interchangeable, but lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow. // lamenting the loss of their only child

deplore

verb

di-ˈplȯr

Definition of deplore next

as in to criticize

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of Many residents spoke at the budget meeting to deplore the mayor's proposed cuts to the police force.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mourn

to feel or express sorrow for a statement from the bishops deploring the loss of life in the war overseas

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to regret

to feel sorry or dissatisfied about deplored the fact that his guests were seeing his apartment at its messiest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deplore differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deplore are bemoan, bewail, and lament. While all these words mean "to express grief or sorrow for something," deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value.

deplores the breakdown in family values

How are the words bewail and bemoan related as synonyms of deplore?

Both bewail and bemoan imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, bewail commonly suggesting loudness, and bemoan lugubriousness.

fans bewailed the defeat

purists bemoaning the corruption of the language

When is lament a more appropriate choice than deplore?

The synonyms lament and deplore are sometimes interchangeable, but lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow.

lamenting the loss of their only child

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 deplore In a demonstration of how polarizing a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to deplore his capture and celebrate it. —

Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026 The operation, widely deplored by the United Nations General Assembly, ended on November 3, with more than 100 dead. —

CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026 Among the celebrities to deplore the news of Norwood being signed to an agency are Emily Blunt, Toni Colette, Melissa Barrera, Natasha Lyonne and Whoopi Goldberg. —

Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025 China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the move. —

Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deplore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deplore

Verb

Wolves coach Chris Finch criticized his team’s lack of composure.

— Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
One of the easier things to do is criticize without offering solutions.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026