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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.

After Harvard Law and a dreary turn as a tax attorney, he joined the rough-and-tumble New York commodities firm J. Aron.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 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

It was a dreary afternoon that followed a dreary and silent dinner.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt