as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest
she leads a humdrum life that will never be made into a major motion picture a humdrum meal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in monotony
a tedious lack of variety
loathed the humdrum of daily life in a small town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of humdrum
New Atlas,
16 Apr. 2026
Get the recipe > Transform humdrum cherry or grape tomatoes into flavor bombs by cooking them low and slow in the oven with maple syrup, thyme, and garlic.
—
Saveur Editors,
Saveur,
15 Apr. 2026
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
27 Jan. 2026
There may be an alchemy of inspiration, but writing itself is done in the humdrum of deleting a sentence or rearranging a line, of careful research and editing.
—
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for humdrum
Adjective
There’s nothing humdrum about the standard eight-speaker Bose Premium Sound System either.
—
New Atlas,
16 Apr. 2026
Get the recipe > Transform humdrum cherry or grape tomatoes into flavor bombs by cooking them low and slow in the oven with maple syrup, thyme, and garlic.
—
Saveur Editors,
Saveur,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Some genuinely funny moments emerge from the collision of Hollywood humdrum and superhero absurdity, as if The Studio had been folded lightly into the MCU, a sensibility that reflects Guest’s comedy pedigree on Community and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
27 Jan. 2026
There may be an alchemy of inspiration, but writing itself is done in the humdrum of deleting a sentence or rearranging a line, of careful research and editing.
—
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for humdrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humdrum
Adjective
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Sustainable growth feels boring from the inside.
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The point is to make the boring stuff feel like a hangout, not to build a productivity system.
Noun
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The tension latent in Jobim and Regina’s working relationship gives their rendition a mischievousness that’s sorely missed in the monotony of Art Garfunkel’s version, or the twee precision of Susannah McCorkle’s.
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There’s never been a better time to escape the monotony of day-to-day life and venture out to an unexplored horizon.
Adjective
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The head coach was clumsy in his response, saying — in effect — that the player is better suited to being an impact substitute and taking advantage of tiring opposition defenders.
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The chassis exhibits little flex, the buttons feel crisp and responsive, and the scroll wheel offers enough resistance to feel deliberate without becoming tiring.
Noun
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There is no time for those who listen only to their boredom.
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Meanwhile, Tom’s rebellious teenaged son, Evan (Kingston Rumi Southwick), has fallen in with a delinquent crowd out of sheer boredom, resentful that he’s never been allowed to leave the island.
Adjective
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Besides toning color, this shampoo acts as a gentle clarifier, removing product buildup from the roots and hair that can make your hair appear dull and greasy.
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The practical step is small and dull, which feels about right.
Noun
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Monochrome styling is having its moment, but sticking to one color scheme doesn’t have to read monotone.
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Daria The monotone, cynical, ultimate critic of suburban life, popularity, and high school.
Adjective
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What to expect over the weekend Though Friday was expected to be the slowest day of the competition, the atmosphere at Cal Expo was anything but dull.
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Some residents are calling for civilian volunteers to help clear debris, frustrated by the slow pace of the rescue operations.
Adjective
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Wall Street will be watching to see if Amazon can further cement itself as consumers' to-go destination for everyday essentials at a time when inflation-weary shoppers are focused on value.
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For our weary eyeballs, strained and tired from long periods locked onto screens, rest and relaxation can do wonders.
Cite this Entry
“Humdrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humdrum. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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