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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.

"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 melancholy acknowledgment of hair-trigger anger isn’t limited to healthcare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

That’s partly the point, but hopefully, they’ll soon be swept away by the movie’s melancholy undertow.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

Further, the juxtaposition of the idealized Norman Rockwellesque holiday feast brought to mind by the image’s Christmas decor and the reality of the restaurant’s affordable but less heartfelt meal introduces a melancholy air.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

There was something chilling in the thought, something a little melancholy, and looking at the clock I saw that five more minutes had gone by.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.