Definitions

monotony

[muh-not-n-ee] / məˈnɒt n i /

NOUN

boredom; sameness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

tedium

STRONG

colorlessness continuance continuity dreariness dryness dullness ennui evenness flatness humdrum identicalness invariability likeness monotone oneness repetitiousness repetitiveness routine similarity tediousness tiresomeness unchangeableness uniformity

WEAK

equability levelness monotonousness same old thing wearisomeness

Antonyms

STRONG

break difference dissimilarity excitement liveliness stoppage unlikeness

WEAK

change color variability versatility

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 couple say prison life has returned to its normal monotony after the intense fear they experienced during the Israel-US war with Iran.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

But there’s a limit to how many similar instances, all with the same structure, the film can retrace before it gives way to monotony.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

For John Winston Isidro, life aboard his VLCC, or Very Large Crude Carrier, has been marked by equal parts monotony and precaution since his ship began playing the waiting game.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

So long as there is wonder, there is no room for monotony.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Not a tree grew anywhere to break the monotony of the gold-green plain, for the soils of the tundra are permanently frozen.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Vocabulary lists containing monotony

The Things They Carried

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!

The Alchemist

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!

The Stranger

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!