gloomy

adjective

Save Word

\ ˈglü-mē

gloomier; gloomiest

Definition of gloomy

1a : partially or totally dark especially : dismally and depressingly dark gloomy weather

b : having a frowning or scowling appearance : forbidding a gloomy countenance

c : low in spirits : melancholy

2a : causing gloom : depressing a gloomy story a gloomy landscape

b : lacking in promise or hopefulness : pessimistic gloomy prophecies a gloomy future

Other Words from gloomy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about gloomy

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for gloomy

dismal, dreary, bleak, gloomy, cheerless, desolate mean devoid of cheer or comfort. dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess. dismal weather dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility. a dreary job bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten. the bleak years of the depression gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise. gloomy war news cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering. a drab and cheerless office desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect. a desolate outpost

sullen, glum, morose, surly, sulky, crabbed, saturnine, gloomy mean showing a forbidding or disagreeable mood. sullen implies a silent ill humor and a refusal to be sociable. remained sullen amid the festivities glum suggests a silent dispiritedness. a glum candidate left to ponder a stunning defeat morose adds to glum an element of bitterness or misanthropy. morose job seekers who are inured to rejection surly implies gruffness and sullenness of speech or manner. a typical surly teenager sulky suggests childish resentment expressed in peevish sullenness. grew sulky after every spat crabbed applies to a forbidding morose harshness of manner. the school's notoriously crabbed headmaster saturnine describes a heavy forbidding aspect or suggests a bitter disposition. a saturnine cynic always finding fault gloomy implies a depression in mood making for seeming sullenness or glumness. a gloomy mood ushered in by bad news

Examples of gloomy in a Sentence

We've had a week of gloomy weather. The news continues to be gloomy. She doesn't agree with their gloomy economic forecasts. His book paints a gloomy picture of the prospects for peace. I've never seen you looking so gloomy.

Recent Examples on the Web The story didn’t come as a surprise to admirers of Roth, who was long known for his gloomy outlook and dry wit. — BostonGlobe.com, "A new biography presents the unvarnished Philip Roth, revealing a complex man," 1 Apr. 2021 Books bring us comfort when the gloomy weather of winter is upon us. — oregonlive, "When you miss gardening, turn to these books for comfort and inspiration," 22 Dec. 2020 Despite the gloomy weather, the state does not expect that to hinder upcoming shipments of COVID-19 vaccines. — Steve Bittenbender, Washington Examiner, "Cuomo bashes Washington for reports that states won't get aid, predicts need for tax hikes," 17 Dec. 2020 Those gloomy predictions from industry watchers turned out to be wrong; consumers continued to flock to dealerships, which largely carried on despite the critics. — Morgan Korn, ABC News, "More consumers are shopping online for cars. Can dealerships keep up?," 28 Mar. 2021 The absence of the universal D.H. paints a gloomy portrait of the game behind the scenes, with neither side trusting the other. — New York Times, "Pitchers Are Hitting Again, So Injuries Will Follow," 26 Mar. 2021 Castel Sant'Angelo is suddenly a tomb again, gloomy and funereal. — Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Joy of Seeing Rome Anew," 22 Mar. 2021 Yesterday’s gloomy rainfall got out of here with haste this morning. — Washington Post, "PM Update: Cold tonight ahead of a beautiful springtime weekend," 19 Mar. 2021 Its decision to change course after decades of steady reductions is not just a blow to disarmers, but also a reflection of the gloomy nuclear mood. — The Economist, "Stocking up Britain is adding nukes for the first time since the cold war," 16 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gloomy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.