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

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

Between the post-holiday doldrums, dry January and the cold, damp weather, the beginning of the new year can often feel like a real drag. —Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 11 Jan. 2026

In November, blockbuster earnings from chip giant Nvidia helped rebuke AI fears and shake markets out of the doldrums. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025

And stay alert by visiting a Lavazza tent for a creamy, earthy cold brew to lift you from the afternoon doldrums. —Cathy Erway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025

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