DEPLORE Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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.

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as in to mourn

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Liberal politician Grigory Yavlinsky, who co-founded Yabloko in the 1990s and chairs its political committee, deplored the court's ruling in an online statement. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 In March 2022, 141 countries supported a resolution deploring Russian aggression and demanding that Russia withdraw its forces. — Lidia Pilecky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Each of these societies deplored and ridiculed the other. — James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Just as hedgehogs deplore foxes for a lack of theoretical ambition, foxes spend their time screaming at hedgehogs for missing this or that eloquent detail. — Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deplore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deplore

Verb

Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, criticized the state's election officials for not cooperating with the department's demands.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
But others criticized the tactics used and family separations.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of criticize

Verb

Rock band Pavlov’s Dog is mourning the loss of singer-songwriter and lead vocalist David Surkamp, who died Monday at age 74.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Dustin Hada, the head coach of Southern Nazarene’s football program, also mourned the loss of his player on social media.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of mourn

Verb

Analysts blame the brand’s reliance on Chuck Taylors and question whether Nike might sell it, though Nike says Converse remains an important part of its portfolio.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Macron acknowledged legitimate concerns of the protesters, while blaming the far left for the violence.

— Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

The shop also pushed back against Clarkson’s version of events, saying all patrons are welcome, then lamented that the singer’s harsh statement had caused unwanted attention.

— Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026
Dozens of comments piled up on Facebook as Idahoans lamented its demise.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of lament

Verb

The brazen, unmasked calls to erase Israel triggered fierce bipartisan backlash from lawmakers condemning the rising wave of open extremism.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
State election groups condemned the mailings, saying staff should not fear for their safety.

— Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

Many fans sympathized with Clarkson’s shopping experience and took to social media to denounce the actions taken by the shop.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
If the main predictor of racial disparities in prison is poverty, then denouncing police and prosecutors as racist won't shrink those gaps.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of denounce

Verb

They’re slammed for touting wrinkles, and they’re faulted for getting filler and a facelift.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Coaches and scouts suggested the young and wiry Martínez might never develop into a pitcher as successful as his brother Ramon, but Claire did not fault them.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of fault

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“Deplore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deplore. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deplore

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