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 US rapper has subsequently expressed regret for his conduct, blaming it on his bipolar disorder.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

He said he didn’t regret his spicy TV interview, either.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

If it was, it was one they must now regret accepting.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Jinn endows Jung with hidden dimensions of pain and regret.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“You will not regret that you helped your family today.”

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles