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 Mamba-esque magic is in the embracing behind-the-scenes monotony, powering through it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

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

The same blinding greenness throughout, the same ridge, the same incline from ridge to water, the same break in the monotony: a scraggly tree here and there.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Vocabulary lists containing monotony

The Things They Carried

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The Alchemist

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The Stranger

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