Synonyms of ennui

ennui

noun

ˌän-ˈwē 

as in boredom

the state of being bored

the kind of ennui that comes from having too much time on one's hands and too little will to find something productive to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ennui

Made when Dunham was in her early 20s, the film is a deadly accurate portrait of post-collegiate ennui, shot partly in her parents’ NYC apartment, and remains fresh and startlingly insightful. — Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

Hong Kong icon Tony Leung has channeled brooding urban energy for the masterpieces of Wong Kar-Wai, balancing the debonair ennui of Marcello Mastroianni with the quiet watchfulness of Montgomery Clift. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 May 2026

In her new British Vogue cover story, Charli expresses a general ennui toward pop stardom. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026

The warmth that acts as the exact counterpole to ennui. — Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

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