Synonyms for

Melancholy

Verb / ˈmelʌˌnkɑ:li: / Another word for melancholy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a feeling of sadness or depression

Synonyms & similar words

somber melancholic blackbile sombre sadness depression gloom despair woe melancholia despondency blue downheartedness sorrow misery heartache dispiritedness dolefulness wretchedness desolation mournfulness forlornness mourning somberness

Synonyms by register

Formal

despondency dejection gloominess somberness

Informal

down blue sad bummed out low

Literary

wistful lugubrious dolorous

Antonyms

joyful cheerful happy elated optimistic content gleeful

Common collocations

  • deep melancholy
  • gentle melancholy
  • melancholy mood
  • melancholy disposition
  • a touch of melancholy
  • melancholy autumn
  • melancholy thoughts

Word family

noun melancholy
adjective melancholy
adverb melancholically

Usage note

Melancholy refers to a pensive sadness, often without a clear cause. It is more profound and sustained than simple sadness or gloom.

Example sentences

  1. The loss of her favorite toy brought on a feeling of melancholy.
  2. He was filled with melancholy after his best friend moved away.
  3. The gray and rainy day added to her melancholy mood.
  4. Her melancholy expression showed that she wasn't feeling well.
  5. The movie's ending left me with a sense of melancholy.

Quotes

  • Melancholy is the happiness of being sad.
  • Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad.
  • Melancholy is the nurse of frenzy.

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