ballad

noun

ˈba-ləd How to pronounce ballad (audio)
Definition of balladnext
as in song
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment a haunting ballad about lost love and loneliness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ballad Appearing alongside his band and several back-up singers, Flowers gave a rousing performance of the country ballad, which reflects on whether money can buy happiness. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026 For more than three decades, his romantic ballads and hits have provided the soundtrack for couples swaying cheek-to-cheek to the sensual gouyad of konpa rhythms. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 By 2017, Cyrus was covering her tattoos with makeup, wearing all white, and singing ballads of marital devotion. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 What comes in between includes a surprising number of love ballads and a few odd outliers. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ballad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballad
  1. song
  2. hymn
  3. lyric
  4. anthem
  5. vocal
  6. lullaby
Noun
  • During the themed show, the dancers performed to many of Carey’s songs from over the years.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Thriller was expansive in sound, but its magic was rendered over just nine songs.
    — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • In public at least, the BBC and new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration are singing from the same hymn sheet.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The atmosphere feels similar to Pentecostal churches, with the hymns and spiritual declarations very familiar to those sung in other churches.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of hymn
Noun
  • Furnari recalled that some of the song’s early music and lyrics came together quickly, but writing words that could do justice to their experience was another matter.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In a place filled with people confronting the challenge of rebuilding their lives, the lyrics of one particular song were a reverie.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of lyric
Noun
  • And while the anthem played , the two teams' players, coaches and others stood along the sidelines.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Created by a band formed in Mesa, the anthem delivers both Phoenix-area representation and a genuinely motivating workout message.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of anthem
Noun
  • Creed-Miles plays guitar and sings, delivering raw, emotive vocals that a modern, moody version of Marianne might very much like.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Brooke Reese, the host of Apple Music’s Global Chart Show, says that beyond radio play and chart domination, audiences appreciate an evocative and vulnerable performance, which doesn’t always require jaw-dropping vocals.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of vocal
Noun
  • Gotta be honest, this instrumental version from one of those cover compilations of rock songs done lullaby-style for hipster parents is kind of great.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Reilly, who composed the song wholesale, seems content to swap his Satie-esque irresolution for something straightforwardly plaintive, like a lullaby.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Definition of lullaby

Browse Nearby Words

ball
ballad
ballads
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Cite this Entry

“Ballad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballad. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ballad

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ballad

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