funereal

adjective

fu·​ne·​re·​al fyu̇-ˈnir-ē-əl 

1

: of or relating to a funeral

2

: befitting or suggesting a funeral (as in solemnity)

funereally

fyu̇-ˈnir-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of funereal

• somber
• solemn
• bleak
• depressing
• dark
• depressive
• lonely
• desolate
• morbid
• darkening

Examples of funereal in a Sentence

shivered with cold in the dark and funereal Victorian mansion

Recent Examples on the Web

Indeed, the only black-and-white to be found here is on David Zinn’s thought-provoking set, which washes the abodes of the younger characters in funereal black right down to Suzanna’s hotel bed. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2026

The photograph feels funereal but rich, somehow—evocative of the days when Edith Wharton’s troubled characters tried to hide from others’ eyes, while the carriage horses clopped along, each step as heavy as destiny. —Hilton Als, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026

The album opens with droning, distorted guitars, a funereal chug enlivened by unexpectedly gargantuan drums. —Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026

The mood around the JBX Talks conference this week was funereal. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin funereus, from funer-, funus

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for funereal

• arterial
• bacterial
• ethereal
• imperial
• material
• sidereal
• venereal
• antibacterial
• biomaterial
• mycobacterial
• cereal
• virial

Kids Definition

funereal

adjective

fu·​ne·​re·​al fyu̇-ˈnir-ē-əl 

: suggesting a funeral

funereal gloom

funereally

-ē-ə-lē 

adverb