deplore

verb

de·​plore di-ˈplȯr How to pronounce deplore (audio)
deplored; deploring

transitive verb

1
a
: to feel or express grief for
deplore the death of a friend
b
: to regret strongly
deplore my own actions
2
: to consider unfortunate or deserving of deprecation
many critics deplore his methods
deplorer noun
deploringly 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

Examples of deplore in a Sentence

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 Such was the case in 1956, when the Egyptian government seized the Suez Canal, prompting military intervention by Israeli, British and French armed forces — a response that Eisenhower deplored. W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2024 Authentic liberals and conservatives should not deplore the Supreme Court’s long-overdue diminution of juristocracy and the imperial presidency. George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 21 July 2024 In a Sunday night speech from the Oval Office, Biden deplored the attack on his Republican rival. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024 Conservatives preach judicial restraint and deplore judicial activism, but this ruling is worse than activism. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for deplore 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deplore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French deplorer, from Latin deplorare, from de- + plorare to wail

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of deplore was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near deplore

Cite this Entry

“Deplore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deplore. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

deplore

verb
de·​plore di-ˈplō(ə)r How to pronounce deplore (audio)
-ˈplȯ(ə)r
deplored; deploring
1
a
: to feel or express grief for
b
: to regret strongly
2
: to consider unfortunate or deserving of disapproval
deplorer noun
deploringly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on deplore

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