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
Saveur Editors, Saveur, 15 Apr. 2026
While seemingly humdrum, seemingly insignificant activity like that which the intelligence officer said is taking place outside the Pentagon can yield valuable information.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Feb. 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
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
While seemingly humdrum, seemingly insignificant activity like that which the intelligence officer said is taking place outside the Pentagon can yield valuable information.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Feb. 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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Planking was boring and uncomfortable, but Reso and Copeland changed that, and that’s what made Marinovsky interested.—
James Varsallone,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Wrap these accessories around your waist to help define your figure in a loose-fitting dress or around your hips to add personality to an otherwise boring pair of pants.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Then, the monotony of the cave’s silence was broken by the sound of splashing as two divers with headlamps bubbled up from beneath the water.—
Janis Mackey Frayer,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
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Private, couple-specific rituals can also become markers of emotional intimacy in times of routine or monotony.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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Florence can also be hot, crowded and tiring, even outside peak summer.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2026
-
The longtime Florida coach swapped a tiring McDonald for Russell Sandefer with one out in the top of the sixth inning.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 June 2026
Noun
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The children try to amuse themselves with TV and video games, but their boredom is clear.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
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The toddler across the aisle has just about had it from boredom.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Unfortunately, hyaluronic acid decreases with age, which can contribute to a loss of plumpness, fine lines, and an overall duller complexion.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
10 June 2026
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The saltiness of drinks like the Bloody Mary or plain tomato juice can actually seem a bit dull, leaving a fresher and sweeter taste behind.—
Andrea Romano,
Travel + Leisure,
9 June 2026
Noun
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The first was that Leah, with her beguiling Valley monotone and passion for a man who cuddled with insects, was becoming the star of season 6.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
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LaToya Jackson answers my questions in a polite but perfunctory monotone.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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A little snow in the morning; cloudy, chilly; slow and slippery travel in the morning; improving road conditions in the afternoon.—
Jackie Borchardt,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Dec. 2025
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Liverpool have been much slower starters, getting outscored 6-8 in Premier League first halves (and 1-4 in the opening 15 minutes of their games).—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Some war-weary Republicans were eager to endorse the agreement — if the fine print matches the administration’s summary.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
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Quit Complaining Travel can be stressful, especially when airports swell with weary-eyed tourists who may be dealing with delays, cancellations, and lost luggage.—
Joey Skladany,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Humdrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humdrum. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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