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
  • And hey, if the superstar was feeling a little low, what better pick-me-up than karaoke with Chrissie Hynde or a heart-to-heart in the ladies’ with ennui expert Lena Dunham?
    — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Ellis was the enfant terrible of the ’80s and ’90s literary scene, earning a following with novels about disaffected teens and 20-somethings mixed up in drugs, ennui, and gang rapes.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of ennui
Noun
  • Take us to that moment, this middle-age malaise, this boredom.
    — Longreads, Longreads, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Her boredom was sharpened by the discovery that most of her initial assumptions were wrong.
    — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of boredom
Noun
  • The most common symptoms of a primary TB infection, according to the Mayo Clinic, include flu-like symptoms such as low fever, tiredness, or a cough.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms can include tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of tiredness
Noun
  • The experience is…less fun, although bad film aficionados know that some level of tedium is inherent to almost all of the most canonical worst movies ever.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Such individual scenes aside, though, the film largely depends on a familiar trajectory, which can curdle into tedium as things proceed.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of tedium
Noun
  • He’s never settled into a particular genre and, perhaps due to that wide-ranging restlessness, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be awarding him an honorary Oscar in November.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Tisch went to law school, eventually landing (with some restlessness) in real estate finance at Vornado Realty Trust and then at information services company KGB.
    — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 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
  • Kaepernick jolted the sports world from a state of indifference.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Institutional indifference and erasure Fast forward to today, and that defensive posture has hardened into absolute institutional erasure.
    — Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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