Synonyms for

Mourning

Verb / ˈmɔ:rnɪŋ / Another word for mourning — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the expression of sorrow for someone's death

Synonyms & similar words

mourn sorrowing bereavement bereaved griefstricken grieving lamentation bereft grief bereavement lamentation sorrow sadness heartache woe anguish desolation despair suffering pain misery affliction distress melancholy depression mourner funeral dirge

Synonyms by register

Formal

bereavement grief sorrow lamentation

Informal

sadness heartache blues

Literary

woe dolor weeping

Antonyms

celebration joy happiness rejoicing cheer elation

Common collocations

  • deep mourning
  • period of mourning
  • mourning period
  • mourning attire
  • mourning dove
  • mourning rituals
  • mourning sickness

Word family

noun mourning
verb mourn
adjective mournful

Usage note

Mourning refers specifically to the expression of sorrow for someone's death. While 'grief' is a related emotion, 'mourning' often implies outward signs or a period of time dedicated to expressing that grief.

Example sentences

  1. She wore black clothing as a sign of mourning.
  2. The whole town was in mourning after the tragic accident.
  3. The family gathered together to share their mourning.
  4. The mourning process is different for everyone.
  5. The sound of the church bells added to the solemn mood of mourning.

Quotes

  • 'The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief - But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love.' - Hilary Stanton Zunin
  • 'If you're going through hell, keep going.' - Winston Churchill
  • 'Grief is not a disorder, a disease or sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.' - Earl Grollman

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