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

While we all need periodic reminders that pierce through the monotony and horrors of the day, awe of nature and our fragile existence being paramount, we also need reminders that a better future is possible.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 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

Live tennis and live golf offer details that can’t be captured on television, but there are rules of decorum and big potential for monotony.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

John Milton threw open whole new vistas filled with charming, inexhaustible possibilities that promised to ward off monotony forever.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing monotony

The Things They Carried

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The Alchemist

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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!