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.

Executives say Buffett, who infused his letters with his wit and personal anecdotes that often veered from the requisite review of Berkshire’s operations, elevated a dreary convention of corporate America and set a new standard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 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

Tolkien, in part for the reprieve they offer from the dreary and mundane.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Sundays were dreary days in that wintry season.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

dreary

Example Sentences

Related Words