Synonyms of doldrums

doldrums

plural noun

ˈdōl-drəmz 

1

as in suspension

a state of temporary inactivity

the theater scene is usually in the doldrums during the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suspension
• suspense
• recession
• coma
• abeyance
• moratorium
• dormancy
• cold storage
• quiescence
• inertia
• latency
• suspended animation
• standstill
• rest
• recess
• inaction
• deep freeze
• slumber
• hibernation
• holding pattern
• impasse
• inertness
• torpor
• motionlessness
• hypnosis
• remission
• sleep
• downtime
• layoff
• idleness
• repose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• renewal
• resumption
• resuscitation
• recommencement

2

as in sadness

a state or spell of low spirits

the team had been in the doldrums ever since losing the championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sadness
• depression
• melancholy
• gloom
• sorrowfulness
• blues
• dreariness
• misery
• mournfulness
• anguish
• grief
• sorrow
• gloominess
• unhappiness
• oppression
• dejection
• despair
• glumness
• dumps
• desperation
• joylessness
• agony
• heartsickness
• boredom
• despondency
• miserableness
• despondence
• despond
• mopes
• pain
• forlornness
• blue devils
• mourning
• downheartedness
• distress
• desolation
• disconsolateness
• melancholia
• dispiritedness
• discouragement
• self-pity
• dolefulness
• ennui
• regret
• somberness
• hopelessness
• tedium
• woe
• wretchedness
• dolor
• disheartenment
• drear
• moodiness
• moroseness
• woefulness
• morbidness
• self-despair
• dismalness
• rue
• morosity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• euphoria
• joy
• exuberance
• bliss
• happiness
• ecstasy
• elation
• exhilaration
• heaven
• jubilation
• joyousness
• rapture
• intoxication
• exultation
• optimism
• gladness
• joyfulness
• mirth
• merriment
• glee
• felicity
• humor
• gaiety
• joviality
• lightheartedness
• jollity
• cheerfulness
• blissfulness
• cheer
• hopefulness
• gayness
• cheeriness
• satisfaction
• contentment
• elatedness
• content
• rapturousness
• gleefulness
• mirthfulness
• gladsomeness
• contentedness
• sunniness
• delight
• gratification

3

as in boredom

the state of being bored

we were in the doldrums while we waited for something to happen

Synonyms & Similar Words

• boredom
• ennui
• tedium
• blahs
• restlessness
• weariness
• melancholy
• listlessness
• lethargy
• monotony
• dullness
• torpor
• joylessness
• lassitude
• indifference
• torpidity
• cheerlessness
• languor
• lifelessness
• apathy
• languidness
• unconcern
• sameness
• dispiritedness
• monotonousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fascination
• involvement
• absorption
• enchantment
• excitement
• stimulation
• immersion
• engagement
• engrossment
• animation
• relief
• entertainment
• captivation
• bewitchment
• beguilement
• amusement
• invigoration
• diversion
• enlivenment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of doldrums

Chinese citizens are spending more on experiences, offering a rare bright spot for an economy in the doldrums. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 18 Feb. 2026

What are people reading to escape the February doldrums? — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026

And boarding a vintage train during the cooler months is the perfect cure for the winter doldrums. — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026

Once the decorations are packed away and the calendar turns from festive and full to routine and stark white, the winter doldrums can really settle in. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026

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