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.

The New York Knicks spent the first two decades of this 21st century being as dreary and miserable a franchise as there was in basketball.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

It is 9 p.m. on a dreary night in Shadow Hills, just miles away from the lush foothills of the Verdugo Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Trust me when I say that this pasta is the perfect meal to end a dreary, months-long hibernation and welcome spring with open arms.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

As our thoughts turn to the hope of spring following a grey and dreary start to the year, fashion is always one step ahead.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Barely a mile out into the plain it clustered like some huge nest of insects, with straight dreary streets of huts and long low drab buildings.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

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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