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sadly Synonyms
Another word for sadly
Choosing another word for sadly depends on context, so the 23 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• adverb (Context 1)
In a sad, sorrowful, or unhappy manner.
Usage Example
"She smiled sorrowfully as she waved goodbye to her childhood friends."
Strongest
sorrowfully
unhappily
mournfully
Strong
gloomily
dejectedly
despondently
dolefully
glumly
wistfully
miserably
• adverb (Context 2)
Unfortunately or regrettably (used as a sentence modifier to express sorrow or disappointment about a statement or fact).
Usage Example
"unfortunately, the historic theater had to close its doors due to a lack of funding."
Strongest
unfortunately
regrettably
alas
Strong
lamentably
unhappily
deplorably
tragically
• adverb (Context 3)
To a deplorable, severe, or regrettable degree; badly or woefully.
Usage Example
"The old garden had been woefully neglected for several years."
Strongest
woefully
badly
sorely
Strong
deplorably
grievously
lamentably
wretchedly
miserably
pitifully
severely
Opposites of sadly
The opposite of sadly shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
happily
fortunately
cheerfully
joyfully
gladly
luckily
thankfully
gleefully
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Sadly. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/sadly