as in melancholy
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
he spent a long, broody weekend trying to figure out where his relationship with his girlfriend was headed
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Recent Examples of broody
The chickens were running on instinct — a broody hen sees something small and warm in her nest and sits on it.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
The camera takes time to adore the young protagonists, to admire their excellent surfaces, to look them straight in their moody, broody, serious eyes.
—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
The other is something more resembling that first one’s exact opposite—a dark and broody sipper, punchy and robust, liquid mollification reflecting that the best of the season is now officially behind us, and all that lays ahead is the long frigid slog toward spring.
—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
3 Jan. 2026
Theo James starred on season 1 as Charlotte's love interest (and one of Austen's broody heroes, of course), Sidney Parker.
—
Andrea Wurzburger,
PEOPLE,
29 Nov. 2025
One notable absence from the sophomore season of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar’s Wednesday is that of broody artist Xavier Thorpe (Percy Hynes White), who played a significant love interest for Jenna Ortega’s titular main character in Season 1.
—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
8 Aug. 2025
The result was a mash-up of Ralph Lauren signatures that felt broodier, a little more bohemian, and, in that, perhaps a touch more eclectic.
—
Nick Remsen,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Misfit is a patchouli-amber number that feels broodier and sophisticated, yet manages to wear light enough year-round.
—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
17 Aug. 2023
And she's torn between two love interests, a pair of basically interchangeable broody white boys, à la Felicity.
—
A.a. Dowd,
Chron,
21 Nov. 2022
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
The camera takes time to adore the young protagonists, to admire their excellent surfaces, to look them straight in their moody, broody, serious eyes.
—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
The other is something more resembling that first one’s exact opposite—a dark and broody sipper, punchy and robust, liquid mollification reflecting that the best of the season is now officially behind us, and all that lays ahead is the long frigid slog toward spring.
—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
3 Jan. 2026
Theo James starred on season 1 as Charlotte's love interest (and one of Austen's broody heroes, of course), Sidney Parker.
—
Andrea Wurzburger,
PEOPLE,
29 Nov. 2025
One notable absence from the sophomore season of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar’s Wednesday is that of broody artist Xavier Thorpe (Percy Hynes White), who played a significant love interest for Jenna Ortega’s titular main character in Season 1.
—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
8 Aug. 2025
The result was a mash-up of Ralph Lauren signatures that felt broodier, a little more bohemian, and, in that, perhaps a touch more eclectic.
—
Nick Remsen,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Misfit is a patchouli-amber number that feels broodier and sophisticated, yet manages to wear light enough year-round.
—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
17 Aug. 2023
And she's torn between two love interests, a pair of basically interchangeable broody white boys, à la Felicity.
—
A.a. Dowd,
Chron,
21 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broody
Adjective
-
Not necessarily the technical side of blues music, but its emotional palette—the melancholy, vulnerability, and depth that live within those shades of blue.
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Daeron Targaryen Daeron Targaryen, otherwise known as Daeron the Drunkard, is a bookish and melancholy Targaryen prince known for his prophetic dreams.
Adjective
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For daily commutes and weekend trips, this versatile pack looks simple but is packed with thoughtful features.
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While no one can eliminate the risks associated with severe weather, thoughtful preparation can reduce those risks substantially.
Adjective
-
This transparent pink has a reflective finish that creates a striking shine with one coat.
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Make sure the shiny, reflective side is facing out.
Adjective
-
John Malkovich looks pensive ahead of his guest appearance in Report on the Blind at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, Sweden on June 22.
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For Waititi, the film has lots of comedic parts while retaining the pensive beauty of the original text.
Adjective
-
Researchers have demonstrated that contemplative practices associated with emotional regulation can influence both psychological and physiological functioning.
-
Its central hub, where the wellness offerings, main dining room and 35 of the 65 bedrooms are located, is invitingly curvaceous, with sci-fi swirls of walls and sparkling swathes of window bookended by two vast, contemplative courtyards.
Cite this Entry
“Broody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broody. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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