Definition of sorrynext
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as in unhappy
feeling unhappiness was sorry to see the family farm being sold

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sorry different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sorry are contemptible, despicable, pitiable, and scurvy. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

When is contemptible a more appropriate choice than sorry?

The meanings of contemptible and sorry largely overlap; however, contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When might despicable be a better fit than sorry?

The synonyms despicable and sorry are sometimes interchangeable, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

Where would pitiable be a reasonable alternative to sorry?

While in some cases nearly identical to sorry, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of sorry?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

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 sorry Frustrated, confused, feeling sorry. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026 Instead, build a team that reaches out first, acknowledges disruptions, and says sorry before frustration boils over. Harvard Business Review, 20 Apr. 2026 Which may be a sad indication of what these sorry events did to each member of her family. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 With the Merseyside derby away at Everton next up on Sunday, this is no time for anyone to be feeling sorry for themselves. James Pearce, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sorry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sorry
Adjective
  • And getting all giddy over some lame light beer that has apple juice poured into to is just plain embarrassing.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • This idea that just sitting with your face buried in your phone when you’re supposed to be in a social setting—that’s lame, right?
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Back in the city, Amanda and Ciara go for a walk so that Amanda can hear all about the makeup with West and then tell Ciara the very sad tale of her love story as it was related to their couple’s therapist.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
  • None at all leads to slow, pale, sad-looking growth that limps through the season.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But as Notes from Underground progresses, his behavior turns from funny to pathetic to downright despicable.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Over pinwheeling synths, Mahesh inhabits her narrator’s misplaced longing with gooey, heart-eyed delusion and sweetly pathetic determination.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Mayor Gloria and the City Council should be ashamed of themselves.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • May the world know that Americans are ashamed and suffering and locked into despair and destruction, which now affects the world.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Alex Cora was clearly unhappy towards the end.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • There were thousands of unhappy Stagecoach festivalgoers on Saturday night, as the approximately 75,000-80,000 guests were forced to evacuate due to high winds.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • At the end of the book, feeling heartbroken about Marcus’ involvement in Nancy’s death, Mary kills Howard by giving him too many painkillers.
    Max Gao, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The heartbroken mother didn’t want to be identified, fearing for her family’s safety.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Injuries to key players on the Amazin’s contributed to some poor numbers as well.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Although poor students are disproportionately likely to receive special education in New York City, well-off disabled kids are the ones most acutely driving up the budget.
    Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These two beacons of truth and connoisseurs of mess have been bonded for over a decade, sharing the traumas of a crappy Boston dorm room and a pitiful Brooklyn dating scene.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Most of the time, experts say, vaguebooking boils down to a pitiful plea for attention on the part of the poster.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sorry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sorry. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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