lamentation

noun

lam·​en·​ta·​tion ˌla-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce lamentation (audio)
Synonyms of lamentation
: an expression of sorrow, mourning, or regret : an act or instance of lamenting
a song of lamentation
… blending a lamentation over the effects of time with a kind of apologia for it.—Glen R. Brown

Synonyms of lamentation

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Examples of lamentation in a Sentence

bitter lamentations for the dead words spoken in lamentation for the dead
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Marks, the blues isn’t about lamentation. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026 The ghetto is full of lamentation. — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026 These rock lamentations will not be carried over to the full-length album the band still has in the works, which Bono promises will have a more joyful tone. — Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 The anniversary of the massacre is commemorated by Shia communities every year, often with processions and acts of lamentation. — Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lamentation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lamentation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for lamentation

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Browse Nearby Words

lamentable
lamentation
Lamentations
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Cite this Entry

“Lamentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lamentation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lamentation

Nglish: Translation of lamentation for Spanish Speakers

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