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.

He managed his way through all of that, even when his team were putting in dreary performances.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

We must beware the dreary cynics who would have us believe it isn’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

The Gray Lady’s dreary Luddites are as suspicious of Times management as they are of Silicon Valley.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

A period of dreary, windy, cool weather is settling across Southern California this week, as a cold system from the Pacific Northwest moves south.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Her voice sank into a dreary drone of despond.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Vocabulary lists containing dreary

100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"

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This Week in Words: September 4 - 8, 2017

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Charlotte's Web

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