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.

Maria’s mother warned her about Arlene, but she refuses to wallow in regret.

From Los Angeles Times

And I didn’t want to make her regret the gesture by staying out too long.

From Literature

“We didn’t achieve the results we hoped for, and I deeply regret my own shortcomings.”

From Los Angeles Times

No, I do not regret that I cannot film everything around me or that I don’t carry a cellphone on me.

From The Wall Street Journal

Speaking on Rugby Special, former Scotland captain John Barclay said that short spell will be one England will regret.

From BBC