1 bewail | Definition of bewail

bewail

verb
be·​wail | \ bi-ˈwāl How to pronounce bewail (audio) \
bewailed; bewailing; bewails

Definition of bewail

transitive verb

1 : to wail over
2 : to express deep sorrow for usually by wailing and lamentation

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Choose the Right Synonym for bewail

deplore, lament, bewail, bemoan mean to express grief or sorrow for something. deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value. deplores the breakdown in family values lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow. lamenting the loss of their only child bewail and bemoan imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, bewail commonly suggesting loudness, and bemoan lugubriousness. fans bewailed the defeat purists bemoaning the corruption of the language

Examples of bewail in a Sentence

Many people bewailed the changes to the historic building. he invariably spends more time bewailing his predicament than trying to fix it

Recent Examples on the Web

Frequently bewailing the know-nothingness of the age, Davenport grouses that real scholarship has disappeared because of the vogue for critical approaches and appreciations. Michael Dirda, National Review, "The Exhilarating Letters of Guy Davenport and Hugh Kenner," 25 July 2019 Understandably, promoters and artist representatives have long bewailed the enormous profits being made on the secondary market, which takes none of the risk and puts up none of the funding — and shares none of its profits — for major live events. Variety, The Mercury News, "Live Nation confirms: We pushed Metallica tickets directly to resellers," 24 July 2019 Across the country, North and South, Christians gathered in their churches to remember the crucifixion of Christ and to bewail their sins, which made such a sacrifice necessary. Jonathan Den Hartog, WSJ, "Lincoln’s Biblical Lessons of Reconciliation," 26 Apr. 2018 While progressives may cheer specific cases like Obergefell, recent years have seen them deliver numerous harsh assessments of the Supreme Court’s overall record, bewailing its interpretations of the Constitution that purportedly favor the wealthy. James W. Lucas, National Review, "The Supreme Court versus the Constitution," 8 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bewail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of bewail

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for bewail

bewail

verb

English Language Learners Definition of bewail

literary + humorous : to express great sadness or disappointment about (something)

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More from Merriam-Webster on bewail

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with bewail

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bewail

Spanish Central: Translation of bewail

Nglish: Translation of bewail for Spanish Speakers