Synonyms for mournful
ˈmɔrn fəl, ˈmoʊrn-mourn·ful

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. mournful

   Pitiful originally signified full of pity; as, "the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy," James v, 11; but this usage is now archaic, and the meaning in question is appropriated by such words as merciful and compassionate. Pitiful and pitiable now refer to what may be deserving of pity, pitiful being used chiefly for that which is merely an object of thought, pitiable for that which is brought directly before the senses; as, a pitiful story; a pitiable object; a pitiable condition. Since pity, however, always implies weakness or inferiority in that which is pitied, pitiful and pitiable are often used, by an easy transition, for what might awaken pity, but does awaken contempt; as, a pitiful excuse; he presented a pitiable appearance. Piteous is now rarely used in its earlier sense of feeling pity, but in its derived sense applies to what really excites the emotion; as, a piteous cry. Compare HUMANE; MERCY; PITY.

   Synonyms:
   abject, base, contemptible, despicable, lamentable, miserable, moving, paltry, pathetic, piteous, pitiable, pitiful, sorrowful, touching, woful, wretched

   Antonyms:
   august, beneficent, commanding, dignified, exalted, glorious, grand, great, helpful, lofty, mighty, noble, sublime, superb, superior

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. mournful

   Synonyms:
   sad, melancholy, tearful, doleful, depressing, wailing, lugubrious

   Antonyms:
   joyous, mirthful, exhilarating

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:4.2 / 5 votes

1. mournful, plaintiveadjective

   expressing sorrow

   Synonyms:
   doleful, plaintive

   Antonyms:
   joyful, glad

2. doleful, mournfuladjective

   filled with or evoking sadness

   "the child's doleful expression"; "stared with mournful eyes"; "mournful news"

   Synonyms:
   doleful, plaintive

   Antonyms:
   joyful, glad

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:3.0 / 1 vote

1. mournfuladjective

   Synonyms:
   sad, distressing, afflicting, afflictive, grievous, calamitous, lamentable, melancholy, deplorable, woful

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. mournfuladjective

   Synonyms:
   sorrowful, lugubrious, doleful, woful

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How to use mournful in a sentence?

1. Ry Cooder:

   The blues is so expressive - nostalgic but not sentimental, mournful but not pathetic, so humble and close to the earth. It's a nuance-filled thing.

2. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

   Tell me not, in mournful numbers,Life is but an empty dreamFor the soul is dead that slumbers,and things are not what they seem.Life is real Life is earnestAnd the grave is not its goalDust thou art to dust returnest,Was not spoken of the soul.

3. The Residents "Duck Stab":Bach is Dead:

   Walking women want to see the southern cross at night And so they set aside a sock, and tie their laces tight Yes mournful is the melody that echoes in their heads Without a beat they march along, believing Bach is dead.

4. Tom Wolfe:

   This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the risks—and sacrifices—our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe.

5. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

   'Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, and things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art; to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul.'