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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 Miss Manners understands that people who have trouble saying no might be sorry to disappoint those who importune them. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 15 July 2025 That, dear reader, is the sorry state of login security today. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 These are the kind of fragrances that strangers will stop you on the street to ask about (sorry). Wired, Wired News, 8 July 2025 For travelers who’d rather be safe than sorry, here’s how to check for bed bugs and how to avoid bringing them home. Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sorry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sorry
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • The sad reality is that Lucky really hasn't had all that much luck in his life to date.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • These people have gone through hell, and so checking in sometimes is just equally as sad and devastating.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Phoenix assumes a pathetic and quietly arrogant demeanor as Joe, who speaks in a squeaky, exasperated cadence.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
  • Enter Flores, who was hired shortly after that pathetic performance.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, for some residents, the monument and its history are nothing to be ashamed of.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
  • Contrary to popular belief, a bed bug infestation can happen to anyone, even people who have spotless homes—so there’s no reason to be ashamed of an infestation.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • That's become a new line of attack for the Trump administration, which is already unhappy with the Fed for not moving more aggressively to lower interest rates.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • Speculation is that Ferrari is unhappy with Vasseur's performance, although these rumors have been shut down by Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ak’s heartbroken family are still reeling from her death.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • Faced with no other option, the heartbroken family surrendered Draco to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), despite having loved and raised him for over five years.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Spurred by climate change, Canadian wildfires have increasingly exacerbated poor air quality across Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Other critical factors that led to several brands exiting Japan, like Ford in 2016, were insufficient product lineups, and a poor dealer network.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • My pansies are pitiful, the lavender is languishing and the salvia is suffering.
    Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
  • Something about this one note prompted even this pitiful creature to a risky gesture of mercy.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sorry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sorry. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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