Synonyms for

Sorrow

Verb / ˈsɑ:rəʊ / Another word for sorrow — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a feeling of great sadness or grief

Synonyms & similar words

rue ruefulness joy sorrowfulness grieve grief regret sadness grief sadness heartache misery woe anguish despair pain regret mourning lament dejection melancholy disappointment unhappiness distress desolation suffering affliction

Synonyms by register

Formal

grief distress unhappiness woe

Informal

sadness downer bummer blues

Literary

dolor anguish heartache

Antonyms

joy happiness pleasure delight cheer mirth elation

Common collocations

  • deep sorrow
  • great sorrow
  • sorrow and pain
  • sorrow and regret
  • overcome with sorrow
  • feel sorrow
  • sorrow of loss
  • sorrowful heart

Word family

noun sorrow
verb sorrow
adjective sorrowful
adverb sorrowfully

Usage note

Sorrow is a strong emotion of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment. While 'sorrow' can be used informally, it often carries a more profound and formal connotation than simple sadness.

Example sentences

  1. I felt so much sorrow when my grandma passed away.
  2. He couldn't hide his sorrow when his team lost the game.
  3. The whole town was filled with sorrow when the tragedy happened.
  4. She expressed her sorrow by writing a poem.
  5. The painting captured the sorrow of the war.

Quotes

  • The deeper the sorrow, the less tongue it hath.
  • Excess of sorrow laughs. Excess of joy weeps.
  • Sorrow is a fruit. God does not make it grow on limbs too weak to bear it.

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