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Definitions

melancholy

[mel-uhn-kol-ee] / ˈmɛl ənˌkɒl i /
ADJECTIVE
depressed, sad
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gloomy grim mournful pensive somber sorrowful trite wistful
STRONG
blue down downbeat downcast low moody
WEAK
dejected despondent destroyed disconsolate dismal dispirited doleful dolorous down and out down in the dumps down in the mouth downhearted dragged droopy funereal glum heavy-hearted in blue funk joyless lachrymose low-spirited lugubrious mirthless miserable moony saddened saddening sorry torn-up unhappy wet blanket woebegone woeful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright cheerful happy joyful sunny
STRONG
above decent gay heartened
NOUN
depression, sadness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
boredom despair desperation despondency ennui gloom grief sorrow wistfulness
STRONG
blahs blues bummer dejection dolor downer dumps funk gloominess letdown miserableness misery mopes mournfulness pensiveness tedium unhappiness woe wretchedness
WEAK
blue devils blue funk dismals dolefuls down trip low spirits
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheer confidence excitement happiness joy
STRONG
advantage benefit blessing boon gladness joyousness

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.

Scenic designer Beowulf Boritt’s quaint tearoom seems both real and hallucinatory, with a melancholy rain pouring down in the background.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Once brash and unapologetic, his humour now carries a quiet melancholy - yet it lands with the precise timing of someone who has learned what it takes to survive.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

"My life is a broken roller coaster, but maybe I'm the only one to blame," they sing on the melancholy Merry Go Round.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

This version is easily the equal of the original: fizzing with humor, and infused with a tenderness and melancholy sympathy for all its characters, mostly members of a family from the so-called 1%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Papa’s smile didn’t change the melancholy in his eyes as he reached up to put his hand over hers.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Vocabulary lists containing melancholy

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

I Am Malala

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!