plaintive Play [pleyn-tiv] (adjective) Expressing or evoking sorrow, sadness, or melancholy; mournful or sorrowful in tone or expression. SYNONYMS mournful sad melancholic woeful rueful ANTONYMS cheerful joyful happy The violin's plaintive melody brought tears to her eyes as she remembered the loss of her loved one. Daily Wordshake Sunday, November 9th "Your 1,000-Year Weather Forecast (Updated Hourly)" PLAY Previous Daily Puzzle Words Sunday, November 9th "Basic Anatomy" PLAY Previous Latest Blog Posts September 22nd, 2025 10 of the Longest Words in the English Language (and How to Use Them) September 17th, 2025 20 Fun Facts About the English Language June 9th, 2025 Love Word Puzzles? Try These New Word Riddles! May 26th, 2025 Word Game Lovers, Can You Solve These Clever Riddles?