deplore
Lament with disapproval
To deplore something is to strongly disapprove of it or regard it with deep regret: We deplore the use of violence against civilians.
The word carries moral weight—you deplore actions you find reprehensible, not merely inconvenient.
Deplore can also mean to grieve or lament, though this sense is now rare: She deplored the loss of her homeland.
Publicly declare wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- decryOpenly criticize harshly
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
reproach · castigate · excoriate · vilify · berate · upbraid · chastise · admonish
Guilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs
- compunctionUneasiness from guilt
rueful · chagrin · self-reproach · contrite · sorrowful · apologetic · shame · guilt
Scornful disregard
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- disgustIntense physical aversion
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
dissatisfaction · antipathy · aversion · opprobrium · disapprobation · disfavor · distaste · abhorrence
bemoan
Express grief vocally
rue · sorrow · anguish · heartache · woe · regret · weep · keen · repine · plaint
denounce
Publicly declare wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- decryOpenly criticize harshly
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
rebuke · reproach · castigate · excoriate · vilify · berate · upbraid · chastise · admonish · reprehend
remorse
Guilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs
compunction · rueful · chagrin · self-reproach · contrite · sorrowful · apologetic · shame · guilt · pity
disdain
Scornful disregard
displeasure · dissatisfaction · antipathy · aversion · opprobrium · disapprobation · disfavor · distaste · abhorrence · revulsion
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
- diplomatic languagewith all due respect, no comment, at this time, in good faith, mutual understanding
- complaintscomplaint, complain, complaints, complaint form, complaint letter