melancholy 1 of 2

1
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

melancholy

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
First, though, as Shampoo sinks into one of his barber chairs, there is melancholy. Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 But about two-thirds of the way through, Roofman makes a quiet, almost imperceptible shift toward melancholy. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
Some gags land, others don’t, and the script’s sudden bursts of melancholy dependably catch you in the gut. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025 The result is a film that glimmers with moments of wit and melancholy but never settles into coherence. Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for melancholy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melancholy
Adjective
  • 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
  • The footage shows Deiseroth’s demeanor teetering between sad and angry.
    David Goodhue October 24, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Real wages remain depressed and economic growth has stalled.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • These options include simply selling their position through open-market sales, an exchange offer or a mandatory exchangeable bond, with proceeds potentially funding a large share buyback, which would be highly accretive to Fluor's EPS, especially at its currently depressed valuation.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While Wohl’s script is packed to the brim with thoughtful moments of beauty, comedy, and heartbreak, Liberation wouldn’t be nearly as affecting and, sadly, relatable without its stellar cast.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The film tells a quietly amusing story that offers a more-than-realistic dive into one of the most iconic and thoughtful young men in world history – a man who essentially invented modern angst long before the internet existed.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Common signs include persistent sadness, low energy, poor concentration, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or weight, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
    Brandon Peters, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
  • My impression of her first version of that song was also sadness being depicted as sadness.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And that’s what's so depressing.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • His college career has come to an end in a very depressing way.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Following Dombrowski’s comments and his belief that Harper is unhappy with his current contract situation, Sherman opened the door to a potential offseason trade that sends Harper elsewhere.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • People who will be sent there include those who let their poor unhappy doggies bark endlessly, those who throw trash on the beach and those who hunt exotic animals for sport.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Manicurist Brittney Boyce, Fox's go-to nail artist, mimicked that deep red color on the star's nails—with a modern, reflective cats-eye texture.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Adding reflective tape to costumes or bags, wearing bright colors and carrying a flashlight or glow stick can help drivers see trick-or-treaters.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
  • This grounding technique is meant to relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Melancholy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melancholy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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