Definitions

dreary

[dreer-ee] / ˈdrɪər i /

ADJECTIVE

gloomy, lifeless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bleak boring colorless damp depressing dingy dismal drab dull forlorn humdrum lonely monotonous sad somber tedious uneventful uninteresting windy wintry wretched

WEAK

black blah cheerless comfortless depressive dispiriting doleful downcast funereal glum joyless lonesome melancholy mournful oppressive pedestrian raw routine sorrowful wearisome

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bright cheerful colorful encouraging eventful exciting glad happy hopeful interesting joyful light lively nice pleasant

WEAK

clear

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Wait, these aren’t the dreary, soul-sucking 76ers America was promised!

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Everything in “Mother Mary” feels like it exists in a dream within a dream: the tertiary characters who fade in and out of the narrative, the catchy yet indistinct pop songs, the dreary midnight-blue location.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

While the speeches may seem long and dreary, they contain points of emphasis which may show, for example, greater focus and financial support for specific industries.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

"I think a lot of American horror comics are quite dreary in terms of their aesthetic," Walsh said.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

She marched the trio through the halls until they reached the entryway, where a large, dreary painting loomed.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing dreary

100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"

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This Week in Words: September 4 - 8, 2017

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Charlotte's Web

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