DREARINESSES Synonyms: 389 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'dreary' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dreary are bleak , cheerless , desolate , dismal , and gloomy . While all these words mean "devoid of cheer or comfort," dreary , often interchangeable with dismal , emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility. // a dreary job

Q: When might 'bleak' be a better fit than 'dreary'?

The meanings of bleak and dreary largely overlap; however, bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten. // the bleak years of the depression

Q: When can 'cheerless' be used instead of 'dreary'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dreary , cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering. // a drab and cheerless office

Q: Where would 'desolate' be a reasonable alternative to 'dreary'?

The words desolate and dreary can be used in similar contexts, but desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect. // a desolate outpost

Q: In what contexts can 'dismal' take the place of 'dreary'?

The words dismal and dreary are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess. // dismal weather

Q: When could 'gloomy' be used to replace 'dreary'?

In some situations, the words gloomy and dreary are roughly equivalent. However, gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise. // gloomy war news

dreariness 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dreariness next

as in sadness

a state or spell of low spirits my own dreariness seemed to match the dismal weather we were having

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dreary

2 of 2

adjective

ˈdrir-ē

as in bleak

causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer vowed that he would never take a desk job working in a dreary office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in depressing

causing unhappiness decided to see a professional counselor in order to save their dreary marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in boring

causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest another dreary social event to suffer through

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dreary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dreary are bleak, cheerless, desolate, dismal, and gloomy. While all these words mean "devoid of cheer or comfort," dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility.

a dreary job

When might bleak be a better fit than dreary?

The meanings of bleak and dreary largely overlap; however, bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten.

the bleak years of the depression

When can cheerless be used instead of dreary?

While in some cases nearly identical to dreary, cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering.

a drab and cheerless office

Where would desolate be a reasonable alternative to dreary?

The words desolate and dreary can be used in similar contexts, but desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect.

a desolate outpost

In what contexts can dismal take the place of dreary?

The words dismal and dreary are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess.

dismal weather

When could gloomy be used to replace dreary?

In some situations, the words gloomy and dreary are roughly equivalent. However, gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise.

gloomy war news

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dreariness

Noun

Valentine’s Day is like a sweet little respite from February dreariness. —

Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026

Adjective

The Miami Open got off to a dreary start Sunday. —

Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2026 While Ireland favors hearty stews and savory pies guaranteed to stick to your ribs during dreary winter months, both destinations highlight locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood. —

Senior Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dreariness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dreariness

Noun

Curtis revealed that Annie, who welcomed her baby boy with husband Jason Wolf in December, was able to take the grief and sadness of losing her godparents and birth as a new beginning.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
There will be deaths, of characters as well as relationships, but McInerney’s always-sharp insights on social strata and human nature guarantee that in the midst of sadness we are also entertained.

— Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

Definition of sadness

Browse Nearby Words

drearily

dreariness

dreary

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dreariness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dreariness. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of dreariness

noun

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

decry

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is it 'further' or 'farther'?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is it 'further' or 'farther'?

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes