1
as in pitiful
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
the sales presentation was a pitiable display of ineptitude and disorganization
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
a pitiable attempt at singing that generated snickers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in poor
deserving of one's pity
a pitiable, starving old dog
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pitiable
Nowhere good, is the answer, as these pitiable, middle-aged misfits gradually reveal lives that are likely unsalvageable.
—
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 1 May 2025
In some ways, both DeSantis and Poilievre are pitiable.
—Drew Nelles, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Trump is enacting Project 2025 nearly to the letter, deploying executive orders, lawsuits, and rhetorical bombast in an effort to force judges, law firms, cultural institutions, university presidents, and press barons into postures of pitiable obedience.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Federal aid cuts are likely, given the current dismantling of our nation’s already-pitiable social safety net.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitiable
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 1 May 2025
In some ways, both DeSantis and Poilievre are pitiable.
—Drew Nelles, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Trump is enacting Project 2025 nearly to the letter, deploying executive orders, lawsuits, and rhetorical bombast in an effort to force judges, law firms, cultural institutions, university presidents, and press barons into postures of pitiable obedience.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Federal aid cuts are likely, given the current dismantling of our nation’s already-pitiable social safety net.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitiable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pitiable
Adjective
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And at times, in certain places and situations, it was expected and welcome—on a long walk, or when a person confessed something pitiful, or at a funeral or a party.—
Zadie Smith,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
-
This could have been a sad or pitiful moment; instead, it was suffused with warmth.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
The double talk that is presented by both Republicans and Democrats alike is pathetic.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
-
Tehran's retaliation has, so far, been pathetic: a few missiles lobbed at an empty US base, complete with a heads-up.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
But August is perhaps a poor month in which to rally the staff.—
John Updike,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
-
For certain situations, particularly if someone is in poor health, experts generally say claiming early makes sense.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.—
Kevin Fisher-Paulson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 June 2021
-
My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.—
Tim Neville,
Outside Online,
23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
-
That's the sad reality facing many dogs in the wider shelter system.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
Know that all feelings are OK Some kids might be very sad or might be scared, and some kids might not have thought about this at all.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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That was a fine symbolic soundtrack for the numbing atmosphere after a game that epitomized a wretched stretch for the Royals — one that is threatening to define and derail a seemingly promising season.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
-
That bubble prevents clouds from forming, meaning no rain, intense sunshine and wretched humidity.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
With a price tag of $99.99, the half-size bottles weren’t exactly cheap by the ounce—but that didn’t prevent stocks from selling out fast, spurred by excellent word of mouth.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Shop the Asus Vivobook Go 15.6-Inch FHD Slim Laptop, which is marked down to its cheapest price of the year.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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For now, this is DeVries on the job: intent but measured, teeth ready to clamp down on his tongue, establishing standards while also very much trying to make sure his team isn’t miserable from the beginning.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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His Panthers opened the season with two miserable losses, complete with booing from fans in the home opener, and the 23-year-old soon became the first quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the Super Bowl era to be benched for non-injury reasons.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pitiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pitiable. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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