1
as in sad
causing unhappiness
the melancholy thought of having to say good-bye to all the friends he had made over the summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in depressed
feeling unhappiness
they were a bit melancholy after their youngest child left for college
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in thoughtful
given to or marked by long, quiet thinking
a melancholy period in the artist's life that is reflected in his work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
the bleakness of winter sometimes gives me cause for melancholy
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 melancholy
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
Americans are in a melancholy mood as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.
—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Fanning’s name was the first called when nominations were announced, signaling that Scandinavian melancholy would be notably absent that morning.
—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for melancholy
Adjective
The play can create some real melancholy.
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
Americans are in a melancholy mood as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.
—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Noun
In Pau’s work, a sense of futuristic hypermobility and speed is tinged with melancholy, as if simply to ask: Where are we headed?
—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Fanning’s name was the first called when nominations were announced, signaling that Scandinavian melancholy would be notably absent that morning.
—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for melancholy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melancholy
Adjective
-
Then Greene takes a long, sad subway ride home, and America learns that one of their favorite TV doctors isn't flawless.
-
Local foodies were sad to hear owner Sylvia Chung (Momma Chung) retired and closed the south Fort Worth restaurant in October of last year.
Adjective
-
New-home construction tumbled, then stayed depressed for over a decade.
-
These figures mark a clear increase from depressed crossing rates seen during much of the Iran war since its start in late February.
Adjective
-
For daily commutes and weekend trips, this versatile pack looks simple but is packed with thoughtful features.
-
While no one can eliminate the risks associated with severe weather, thoughtful preparation can reduce those risks substantially.
Noun
-
Fear, joy, surprise, sadness, excitement.
-
Exceeding expectations As a trip set mainly in concentration camps, sadness is often the top expectation.
Adjective
-
What a depressing, disturbing waste, no matter the final verdict.
-
After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind.
Adjective
-
Isdin Melatonik If traditional retinoids have left your sensitive skin unhappy, Isdin's Melatonik Recovery Night Serum offers a gentler approach with bakuchiol.
-
Brown and the Celtics have both since denied speculation that the 29-year-old second-team All-NBA selection was unhappy with his role in Boston.
Adjective
-
This transparent pink has a reflective finish that creates a striking shine with one coat.
-
Make sure the shiny, reflective side is facing out.
Noun
-
About 10% of fathers develop symptoms like depression and anxiety during the perinatal period, which lasts from pregnancy through the first year after childbirth.
-
Many Americans rely on ACA coverage to afford medications to treat various diseases such as diabetes, asthma, depression and autoimmune diseases.
Cite this Entry
“Melancholy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melancholy. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
