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
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2
as in depressed
feeling unhappiness
they were a bit melancholy after their youngest child left for college
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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
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as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
the bleakness of winter sometimes gives me cause for melancholy
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of melancholy
Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Jude Law’s Captain Hook becomes a more melancholy character thanks to revelations that tie his past to Peter’s, and his villain rehabilitation is more effective than certain flashier Disney efforts in that area.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
Judy Berman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
Watching Thief, yes, we’re naturally mesmerized by its nocturnal compositions, its lovely sense of melancholy, its almost abstract robbery sequences filled with sparks and flames bursting off steel vaults.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melancholy
Adjective
In Andrews’s adaptation and staging, Ranevskaya (Nina Hoss, all melancholy grace and understated charisma) feels more like a part of a true ensemble.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Jude Law’s Captain Hook becomes a more melancholy character thanks to revelations that tie his past to Peter’s, and his villain rehabilitation is more effective than certain flashier Disney efforts in that area.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
Quiet, melancholy Andrew slowly resigns himself to letting his sweet daughter go.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
Watching Thief, yes, we’re naturally mesmerized by its nocturnal compositions, its lovely sense of melancholy, its almost abstract robbery sequences filled with sparks and flames bursting off steel vaults.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melancholy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melancholy
Adjective
-
Though the courts have not invariably ruled against Trump, the Administration’s record so far is, to use one of the President’s favorite words, sad.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The sad story of Alex Verdugo was one of the most puzzling dramas of the MLB offseason.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Investors are keenly watching these metrics as European banks transition to an environment of monetary easing, particularly in Switzerland, which has been combating a strong franc and depressed inflation with interest rates as low as 0.25%.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
30 Apr. 2025
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Dracula’s Daughter is about a lady vampire who seduces and feeds off other ladies and who is depressed and desperate to be cured of her unyielding desire for wom— sorry.—
Jordan Crucchiola,
Vulture,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Virtual work can be thoughtful, efficient, and sustainable, but only if the foundation is clear.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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The post sparked a thoughtful discussion in the comments, with one user suggesting that neither party was necessarily in the wrong.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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They are already relegated to the Championship with five games to play and could break club records after a desperately depressing campaign.—
Rob Tanner,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Editor’s picks An hour of episodic television is usually breech-birthed in a depressing Hollywood conference room filled with dyspeptic writers arguing over lines as the space fills up with the smell of fear, body odor, and Asian fusion takeout.—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Particularly now that Americans are unhappy with the state of economy.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Some 59% of voters are unhappy with how things are going in the country.—
Dana Blanton,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This latest study was also more reflective of real-world protein intake than previous research.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2025
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The new camp will also include spa offerings and wellness programming, designed for reflective and restorative stays, rooted in nature.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Fatigue and depression can lead to physical inactivity, which can reduce quality of life and impede recovery.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
2 May 2025
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Anxiety is the most common, followed by depression.—
Alex Backus,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
The band played somber hymns marking Good Friday, a mournful day during Holy Week.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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At the vigil, the atmosphere appeared to be both mournful and celebratory of Scooter’s life.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Melancholy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melancholy. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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