gloom 1 of 2

Definition of gloomnext
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gloom

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verb

1
as in to glare
to look with anger or disapproval we just sat there, glooming, as we waited and waited for our dinners to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to darken
to take on a gloomy or forbidding look he continued to gloom over the fact that he had been passed over for promotion to district manager

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gloom
Noun
The analysis suggests that visitors consistently describe the experience as magical, romantic, and uplifting, which is a reliable antidote to winter gloom. Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 And since the movie is premiering at Sundance, it’s probably destined to be praised in a way that overshadows its quality of hermetic gloom. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
But, there is still gloom ahead for economies in the region. Emiko Jozuka, CNN, 5 Oct. 2022 Our imperviousness to gloom is our own peculiar virtue. Murr Brewster, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2022 See All Example Sentences for gloom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gloom
Noun
  • Across countries, sadness, anger, loneliness and despair are at the highest levels recorded in decades.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The mood in the crowd was widespread anger and sadness — recalling the same outpouring of wrath and grief that shook the city after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police in 2020, although without the widespread violent protests then.
    Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Softer lighting feels more refined, enhances curb appeal after dark, and creates a welcoming glow.
    Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Park officials advise visitors not to ride, ski or sled after dark until the lights are fixed.
    John Meyer, Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • One glaring absence was the communist-socialist Mayor Mamdani.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • One glaring vulnerability towards the end of Enzo Maresca’s tenure was Chelsea’s tendency to panic under even slight pressure.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In a photo posted to Instagram and liked by Visit Fort Worth, the city’s tourism bureau, the man in question appears to be wearing makeup to darken his complexion.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Simon also said that darkening retail doors can be filled by growing businesses as Life Time health clubs, House of Sports, which is a relatively new concept from Dick’s Sporting Goods, and space can be repurposed to mixed uses, including outdoor uses.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Make shallow depressions for your rhizomes and cover so new green growth sits just above the soil surface.
    Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Don’t sink into depression, this is temporary!
    Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But hey, this was the '90s, when being weird for weird's sake was a thing, and a creepy animatronic penguin lurking in the shadows and terrorizing humans in a variety of '90s-ish noir settings is definitely that.
    Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Afternoon light sweeps across the terrace, casting long shadows along arches and curved walls.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Grejo sank scowling back into his chair as though stung by Adi’s answer.
    Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Their head coach, Curt Cignetti, perpetually scowling beneath his 1950s crew cut, is fuel for countless memes.
    Keith O’Brien, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But Wednesday’s report about the parking fees quickly backfiring should turn this melancholy into fury.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
  • At some point this winter — maybe a few days, maybe a few weeks — melancholy will fade and Hurricanes fans will be able to appreciate all that was accomplished during a season when UM got back its good name and returned to prominence.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gloom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gloom. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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