Synonyms for

Blues

Verb / blu:z / Another word for blues — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a style of music that originated among African Americans in the southern United States; often expresses feelings of sadness or melancholy

Synonyms & similar words

blueair megrims blueangel amytal bluesky blueness blueing vapors vapours bluing amobarbitalsodium bluedevil bluedevils blue wildblueyonder R&B jazz rap reggae ska swing boogie-woogie zydeco ragtime calypso funk

Synonyms by register

Formal

melancholy despondency dejection sorrow

Informal

down sadness bummed out low spirits

Literary

woe gloom despair

Antonyms

joy happiness cheerfulness elation glee optimism delight

Common collocations

  • feeling the blues
  • sing the blues
  • blue mood
  • deep blues
  • the blues music
  • a touch of the blues

Word family

noun blues
adjective blue

Usage note

The term 'blues' can refer to a feeling of sadness or a genre of music. It is often used informally to describe a state of low spirits.

Example sentences

  1. The blues make me feel better when I'm sad.
  2. My grandfather used to play the blues on his guitar.
  3. B.B. King is one of the most famous blues musicians.
  4. The blues festival is coming to town next month.
  5. Blues music has a rich history in America.

Quotes

  • 'The blues is not a music, it's a feeling.' - Albert King
  • 'The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits.' - Willie Dixon
  • 'I like to sing the blues because it's honest.' - Etta James

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