Synonyms for

Gloom

Verb / glu:m / Another word for gloom — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A state of darkness, sadness, and gloominess.

Synonyms & similar words

sombreness glumness gloominess somberness darkness gloominess depression melancholy sadness dullness lowness despondency blue gloaming twilight shadiness dimness murkiness obscurity cloudiness fogginess haziness nebulosity obfuscation

Synonyms by register

Formal

melancholy despondency somberness dejection

Informal

blues downer funk sadness

Literary

penumbra shadow murk

Antonyms

cheerfulness brightness joy happiness optimism radiance glee

Common collocations

  • deep gloom
  • utter gloom
  • gloom and doom
  • gloom descended
  • overcome with gloom
  • period of gloom
  • economic gloom

Word family

noun gloom
adjective gloomy
adverb gloomily

Usage note

Gloom often refers to a state of deep sadness or a lack of light and happiness. It can describe both a mood and an atmosphere.

Example sentences

  1. The gloom in the room was palpable.
  2. She couldn't shake off the gloom that had been clouding her mind all day.
  3. The gloom of winter had descended upon the city.
  4. The old mansion was shrouded in gloom.
  5. The gloom of the forest was eerie and unsettling.

Quotes

  • The first day of spring was once the time for taking the young virgins into the fields, there in dalliance to set an example in fertility for nature to follow. Now we just set the clocks an hour ahead and change the oil in the crankcase. - Garrison Keillor
  • Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. - Samuel Smiles
  • The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost

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