lament
21 synonyms and 2 antonyms for lament, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To express deep sorrow or regret over something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lament
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A back-formation from "lamentation," or borrowed from Middle French lamenter and Latin lamentor, "to wail or weep."
Full origin of lament →Frequently asked questions
What does “lament” mean?
The word “lament” means to express deep sorrow or regret over something. In plain terms, to express sadness or regret about something, often publicly or in writing — or a piece of writing/music that does this.
How do you pronounce “lament”?
“Lament” is pronounced luh-MEHNT (/ləˈmɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “lament” in a sentence?
Here is “lament” used in a sentence: “She lamented the loss of her childhood home.”
What is another word for “lament”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lament” include afterthink, becry, begrieve, bemoan, bemourn and bewail.
What is the opposite of “lament”?
The opposite of “lament” — its antonyms — are cheer up and gladden.
What part of speech is “lament”?
Depending on how it is used, “lament” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “lament” come from?
The word “lament” comes from Latin. A back-formation from "lamentation," or borrowed from Middle French lamenter and Latin lamentor, "to wail or weep.".
Is “lament” a common word?
“Lament” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.