regret

[ri-gret] / rɪˈgrɛt /

NOUN

upset over past action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anguish annoyance apology bitterness concern contrition disappointment discomfort dissatisfaction grief heartache heartbreak misgiving nostalgia qualm remorse repentance sorrow uneasiness worry

STRONG

affliction apologies care compunction conscience demur dole lamentation pang penitence ruefulness scruple self-accusation self-condemnation self-disgust self-reproach woe

WEAK

regretfulness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calmness comfort contentment delight happiness joy pleasure relief satisfaction

STRONG

ignorance negligence

WEAK

contentedness

VERB

be upset about

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apologize bemoan deplore grieve lament repent

STRONG

bewail deprecate disapprove miss moan mourn repine rue weep

WEAK

be disturbed be sorry for cry over cry over spilled milk feel remorse feel sorry feel uneasy have compunctions have qualms kick oneself look back weep over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

be happy delight praise

STRONG

approve endorse

WEAK

be content be satisfied

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.

The frail Jones expressed regret for his past and Lee decided to believe his repentance was sincere.

From BBC

I also have plenty of regret about highlighting Sherwin-Williams in July.

From Barron's

In the long term, though, you may end up regretting the purchase.

From MarketWatch

The latter said it regretted the US's move, adding that "such an important decision was made without any prior consultation".

From BBC

It also voiced its "regret" that the United States had made "such an important decision without the slightest prior consultation".

From Barron's