1
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the usual glum waiting room at the tax collector's office a cold, glum day
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sad
feeling unhappiness
how can you be glum after such a great day?
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pouting
given to or displaying a resentful silence and often irritability
a chronically glum and pouting child
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of glum
Had that been the case, my glum head would have hit the pillow last night with nothing but images of Emil Bove to put me to sleep unamused.
— Joe Pachino, Baltimore
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—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2025
Despite her glum report, Bothwell expressed some hope.
—Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
So those are the tracks that determinedly break from the overriding tone that runs through the other songs, which is rather more glum, or at least searching and reflective about why too much time got wasted in a long, nowhere love affair.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 20 June 2025
Returning to work and dealing with strict COVID-19 protocols, inflation and supply-chain issues, crews could be glum.
—Steve Knopper, Billboard, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for glum
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2025
Despite her glum report, Bothwell expressed some hope.
—Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
So those are the tracks that determinedly break from the overriding tone that runs through the other songs, which is rather more glum, or at least searching and reflective about why too much time got wasted in a long, nowhere love affair.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 20 June 2025
Returning to work and dealing with strict COVID-19 protocols, inflation and supply-chain issues, crews could be glum.
—Steve Knopper, Billboard, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for glum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glum
Adjective
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When everything looks bleak, a woman holds it up victoriously.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
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New York — US stocks closed lower Thursday as concerns mounted about expensive tech stocks, and a risk-off sentiment spread through markets after new data showed a bleak outlook for the job market.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As Morgan and Sasha chat it up at Noah’s family’s Purim party, a sad-eyed Esther stands off to the side, quietly watching the interaction.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
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The footage shows Deiseroth’s demeanor teetering between sad and angry.—
David Goodhue
October 24,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The 29th edition of the fest is showing off its usual rich selection of progressive programming to be sure, but in terms of emotion, one viewer told co-directors Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn, films here are usually more about getting angry or perhaps somber.—
Will Tizard,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
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Elsewhere in the interview, Eilish discussed the music industry’s initial doubt that her introspective, more somber (and at times devastating) songs wouldn’t appeal to a wide audience.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Developers are taking an extended break from a slumping San Diego area office market beset by empty space, depressed demand and high construction costs.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
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Real wages remain depressed and economic growth has stalled.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Most cases clear up on their own without complications, but parents should contact a doctor if a child cannot keep fluids down, has a high fever lasting more than a few days or seems unusually drowsy or irritable.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
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Also known as irritable hip, the condition is due to inflammation of the hip joint lining.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The touching dramedy centers on a lonely American actor (Brendan Fraser) who, after seven years living in Tokyo, still feels like an outsider.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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Phantom Son will center on Ronnie, a young and struggling runaway taken in by Audrey (Zellweger), a lonely woman whose own son was kidnapped twenty years earlier.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Pauline Collins, the exuberant British actress who inspired women — and men, too — to do something to change their unhappy lives with her Oscar-nominated and Olivier- and Tony-winning performances in Shirley Valentine, has died.—
Lisa de los Reyes,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
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That distaste didn’t hurt Spanberger and her ticket, because 18% of those unhappy voters backed her anyway.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But the day remained gray, shrouded, and sullen.—
Joel M. Vance,
Outdoor Life,
29 Oct. 2025
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He’s been sullen all day, sunk in his collar, his face disdainful.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Glum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glum. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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