deplore

verb

de·plore di-ˈplȯr

deplored; deploring

transitive verb

: to feel or express grief for

deplore the death of a friend

: to regret strongly

deplore my own actions

: to consider unfortunate or deserving of deprecation

many critics deplore his methods

deplorer

di-ˈplȯr-ər

noun

deploringly

di-ˈplȯr-iŋ-lē

adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for deplore

deplore, lament, bewail, bemoan 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

lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow.

lamenting the loss of their only child

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

Example Sentences

We deplore the development of nuclear weapons. Many people deplored the change. Although deplored by many, her decisions have greatly benefited the company.

Recent Examples on the Web The applicant pool is a generation that has been raised to, at best, question America’s worth, and at worst, deplore its existence.

WSJ, 31 Oct. 2022 The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in March to deplore Russia's aggression against Ukraine, call for immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces, and urge protection for millions of civilians.

Jennifer Peltz, ajc, 24 Sep. 2022 The assembly voted overwhelmingly in March to deplore Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, call for an immediate cease-fire and withdrawal of all Russian forces, and urge protection for millions of civilians.

Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 21 Sep. 2022 Both deplore the end of the Soviet Union, and both share a deep distrust of the West that is fueled by nonsensical conspiracy theories.

Susanne Sternthal, The Conversation, 7 June 2022 The result is excessive tolerance, which conservatives deplore.

Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 6 Apr. 2022 In a vote at the United Nations Security Council on a measure to deplore Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China abstained.

Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2022 China abstained from a United Nations Security Council vote on Friday to deplore Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Feb. 2022 Earlier Wednesday, diplomats from dozens of countries took the floor at the U.N. General Assembly to deplore Russia’s actions toward Ukraine and plead for dialogue, while Russia and ally Syria defended Moscow’s moves.

Jennifer Peltz And Edith M. Lederer, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deplore.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.