Definition of gloomynext
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as in sad
feeling unhappiness has been gloomy ever since the breakup with his girlfriend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gloomy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gloomy are bleak, cheerless, desolate, dismal, and dreary. While all these words mean "devoid of cheer or comfort," gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise.

gloomy war news

When might bleak be a better fit than gloomy?

While in some cases nearly identical to gloomy, bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten.

the bleak years of the depression

When would cheerless be a good substitute for gloomy?

In some situations, the words cheerless and gloomy are roughly equivalent. However, cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering.

a drab and cheerless office

When is desolate a more appropriate choice than gloomy?

The meanings of desolate and gloomy largely overlap; however, desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect.

a desolate outpost

When can dismal be used instead of gloomy?

While the synonyms dismal and gloomy are close in meaning, dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess.

dismal weather

Where would dreary be a reasonable alternative to gloomy?

The words dreary and gloomy can be used in similar contexts, but dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility.

a dreary job

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 gloomy For the moment, though, his gloomy diagnosis is decidedly premature, and the economic realities tell us why. Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 But across the country, results are gloomier. ABC News, 13 May 2026 Indeed, the University of Michigan’s latest consumer survey, published late last week, showed a gloomy consumer sentiment because of gas prices. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 With so many stories about traditional media’s gloomy forecast, the night provided a respite from the usual negativity and instead offered a reason to celebrate. John Ross, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gloomy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gloomy
Adjective
  • In other words, the status quo of ed tech is bleak.
    Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
  • Like its gruesome predecessors, his latest full-length work features adorably designed anthropomorphic animals (and mushrooms) navigating bleak realities and confronting existentialist concerns.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The failure of so many in the political world to speak up displays a sad and growing moral bankruptcy.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
  • Don’t be sad — this is not a farewell forever.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Atlanta Braves are back home Tuesday night for their game against the Chicago Cubs, but there will be a somber energy as fans fill seats in Truist Park.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 May 2026
  • Despite the somber mood, some trustees were not convinced that their fate was sealed.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • With the Mets taking a 2-1 lead, Rodón, clearly unhappy, appeared to curse at himself as Austin Wells patted him on the shoulder.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2026
  • Janet reportedly attended an early private screening of the rough cut of the film and walked away pretty unhappy.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Baha Mar is large in stature, sure—and Rosewood is part of a three-hotel complex across the bay from Atlantis, which looms large and brooding over its own end of the water as everything Baha Mar does not want to be—dated, dark, and reminiscent of Spring Break Past.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • Also fascinating were their contrasting likenesses, dark against light housed in the same being, a human eclipse.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Even more depressing, this scenario essentially puts an end to the good-government experiment in nonpartisan redistricting reform.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 15 May 2026
  • Such widespread outsourcing of thought and memory is deeply depressing to many educators.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Christophe is the spry, imaginative middle child to a stern farmer dad in an economically depressed countryside.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 May 2026
  • Postpartum depression, per Mayo Clinic, includes symptoms such as depressed mood, difficulty bonding with your baby, changes in appetite, intense irritability and more.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gloomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gloomy. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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