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doleful

[dohl-fuhl] / ˈdoʊl fəl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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A doleful tale, but Mr. Ogilvy also leavens it with humor.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 7, 2026

With his doleful singing voice and a prolific work rate, he's transformed the sound of música urbana, combining elements of trap, hip-hop and R&B with the traditional sounds of Latin pop.

From BBC Feb. 5, 2026

When no one is around, the doleful ex-judge listens to Italian gangsta rap, and sometimes even raps along with it, suggesting he isn’t quite the stereotype others assume him to be.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 4, 2025

What the documentary describes as the “shock wave” from Jesus’ doleful announcement of profound betrayal within his cohort is seen rippling through the facial features and bodily gestures of the gathered apostles.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 18, 2024

Even that most doleful of Christian laments—“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”—sounded snappy and upbeat through these women’s windpipes as they sauntered along: “Nani oze mpasi zazo! Nani oze mpasi!”

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver




Vocabulary lists containing doleful


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