BEREAVE Synonyms: 12 Similar Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

bereave

verb

bi-ˈrēv

Definition of bereave

as in to deprive

to take something away from news of a death in the family bereaved them of the unmitigated joy that normally prevails at a wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bereave

Verb

According to Lahey, depriving kids of desirable difficulties results in kids who can’t handle frustration, give up at the first hint of a challenge, and are less able to learn.

— Cheryl Maguire, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
During the war’s previous winters, Russia systematically battered Ukraine’s power grid, depriving thousands of heat and light in freezing temperatures.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of deprive

Verb

After Winston completed a 15-yard pass to Braxton Berrios, McCrary-Ball stripped the receiver, and Stiggers recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchback.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
Trump’s efforts to strip public radio and television stations of federal funds and the steep downward profit-losing trend for commercial newsrooms has meant, Ward said, that newsrooms have severely scaled back operations.

— Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of strip

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.

Browse Nearby Words

berating

bereave

bereaved

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“Bereave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bereave. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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