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Definitions

melancholic

[mel-uhn-kol-ik] / ˌmɛl ənˈkɒl ɪk /
ADJECTIVE
depressed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gloomy lugubrious melancholy wistful
STRONG
at bad bleeding blue down downcast hurting low low-down moody weeping
WEAK
bummed out cast down crestfallen crummy dejected desolate despondent destroyed disconsolate dispirited down and out down in the dumps down in the mouth downhearted dragged dull dysphoric fed up glum grim heavy-hearted in a blue funk in pain in the dumps in the pits in the toilet let down low-spirited morose on a downer pessimistic ripped sad sob story spiritless taken down torn-up tristful unhappy woebegone
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheerful happy joyful
STRONG
heartened

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.

The pair previously gave the melancholic ballad its live debut, performing it together during Fender's gig at the London Stadium - home of Dean's team West Ham United.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

In “The Rest of Our Lives,” Tom is a modern melancholic, and some of the stops on his journey are to see people he wistfully associates with his youth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

In effect, Bublé wins the holiday-music race by virtue of his entire seasonal catalog, with lighter and melancholic songs alike.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025

Meanwhile, the Romans lose all desire to fight upon hearing the melancholic "fado" Portuguese music.

From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025

The drawing is striking, well executed, poignant, melancholic, beautiful—but not in a traditional sense.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman