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weltschmerz

noun

Definition of weltschmerznext
as in ennui

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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 weltschmerz Others blame a kind of 21st-century weltschmerz—a sadness about the state of the world and our uncertain future in it. — Derek Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026 As in the original, the orchestra (fluidly led, as usual, by Rob Berman) is visibly perched above the action, pouring out weltschmerz-laden melodies that flow like a thick, high-proof dessert wine. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weltschmerz
  1. ennui
  2. boredom
  3. tiredness
  4. tedium
  5. restlessness
  6. weariness
  7. indifference
Noun
  • Set against the remains of a city frozen in time, these teens — in all their wayward, horny, semi-philosphical, and frustrated ennui — hurtle toward a future unknown.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In the latter book’s view, the internet allows its users to choose their own particular off-ramp from ennui.
    — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of ennui
Noun
  • The company granted Hayes free food for life at any location, though familiarity, to misquote an old adage, breeds boredom.
    — Tom Roland, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Then came a quieter reaction—people shifting in their seats, glancing at one another, going still in a way that had nothing to do with boredom.
    — Julian De Freitas, Harvard Business Review, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of boredom
Noun
  • The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a healthcare professional for persistent pelvic pain, heavy periods that interfere with daily life, difficulty urinating, or ongoing tiredness or weakness.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Common warning signs include thirst, tiredness and crankiness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of tiredness
Noun
  • That tedium could result in companies pushing uninspired and buggy products.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 23 Sep. 2026
  • This is a filmmaker who simply doesn’t know when to stop, as also evidenced by the film’s bloated 142-minute running time that lets narrative tedium set in.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of tedium
Noun
  • For barking or mild restlessness, though, a robot that recognizes what your dog is doing and responds at the right time could be a useful extra set of eyes at home.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • For some people, consuming too much caffeine can cause symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.
    — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of restlessness
Noun
  • Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday, manager Xabi Alonso betrayed some weariness at the lack of closure.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This global phenomenon, seen in Japan's rising yields, suggests market weariness.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of weariness
Noun
  • Only Smith reached base, on a walk, and advanced to third on defensive indifference.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Heart of the Beast takes that to its end point by stripping away not just other genders but other people, leaving just James, his furry companion, and the beautiful indifference of nature.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of indifference

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Cite this Entry

“Weltschmerz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weltschmerz. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on weltschmerz

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about weltschmerz

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