REGRETFULLY Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

regretfully

adverb

ri-ˈgret-fə-lē

Definition of regretfully

as in sadly

with feelings of bitterness or grief I must regretfully inform you that you are not among those who have been accepted for our internship program

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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.

Recent Examples of regretfully Teenagers look around and see adults thinking back on the year, whether wistfully, regretfully, triumphantly or gratefully. — Dr. Marlena Corcoran, Forbes.com, 29 Dec. 2025 The polite way to decline an invite to a wedding is to wish them well, thank them for inviting you and regretfully decline. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 Both bravely and regretfully, Daniel shared how those feelings led him to treat his friends poorly. — Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2024 But the situation is regretfully seeing two conflicting claims from the two parties. — Jade Gomez, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for regretfully

Recent Examples of Synonyms for regretfully

Adverb

Political and legal debates date back to ancient Rome and have been a key part of our nation, beginning with Lincoln-Douglas, yet experts say, sadly, are no longer perceived as necessary.

— Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
There is of course another way to hear ABBA songs sung live onstage, though sadly without Greek island backdrops or background singers wearing floppy swim fins.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of sadly

Adverb

The race is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's nearly unbroken 17-year rule, which had left Israelis bitterly divided on a host of issues even before the deadliest attack in the country's history.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
The race was widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s nearly unbroken 17-year rule, which had left Israelis bitterly divided on a host of issues even before the deadliest attack in the country’s history.

— Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of bitterly

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regretful

regretfully

regrets

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“Regretfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regretfully. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of regretfully

adverb

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