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

His practice can be intentionally repetitive, reflecting the monotony of cancer treatment, and inspires viewers to meditate with the movement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 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

I have been down a few times—they try to give me a meal in the farmhouse each day to warm me up and break the monotony.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing monotony

The Things They Carried

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The Alchemist

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The Stranger

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