Synonyms for

Ballad

Verb / ˈbælʌd / Another word for ballad — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A ballad is a song or poem that tells a story, often about love or adventure.

Synonyms & similar words

lay song poem lyric ditty verse melody tune carol chant hymn aria canticle chorale chorus psalm shanty

Synonyms by register

Formal

narrative poem lay song

Informal

story song folk song

Literary

lay chantey rime

Antonyms

prose epic ode sonnet limerick haiku

Common collocations

  • traditional ballad
  • folk ballad
  • love ballad
  • ballad singer
  • ballad form
  • ballad meter
  • ballad opera

Word family

noun ballad
verb balladeer

Usage note

A ballad is typically a narrative poem or song, often set to music. While 'balladeer' can refer to a singer of ballads, it's less common than the noun 'ballad' itself.

Example sentences

  1. He wrote a ballad about a pirate who searched for treasure.
  2. The ballad had a catchy tune that everyone loved.
  3. She sang a ballad about a lost love and brought tears to everyone's eyes.
  4. The bard sang a ballad about a brave warrior who saved his people from a dragon.
  5. The ballad told the story of a young couple who fell in love despite their families' feud.

Quotes

  • "The ballad is a form that is often sung and is usually about love or adventure." - Stephen Greenblatt
  • "A good ballad is one that you can sing without thinking too much." - Woody Guthrie
  • "The ballad is a song form that has been around for centuries." - Nick Cave

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