drab
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for drab, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Dull and lacking in colour or interest.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use drab
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
drab colour
drab surroundings
dull and drab
Etymology
Probably from Old French drap ("cloth"), the colour sense coming from the natural, undyed shade of the fabric.
Full origin of drab →Frequently asked questions
What does “drab” mean?
The word “drab” means dull and lacking in colour or interest. In plain terms, dull, colourless, and a bit depressing to look at.
How do you pronounce “drab”?
“Drab” is pronounced drab (/dɹæb/ in IPA).
How do you use “drab” in a sentence?
Here is “drab” used in a sentence: “The office walls were painted a drab grey.”
What part of speech is “drab”?
Depending on how it is used, “drab” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “drab” come from?
The word “drab” comes from Old French. Probably from Old French drap ("cloth"), the colour sense coming from the natural, undyed shade of the fabric.
How many meanings does “drab” have?
“Drab” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dull and lacking in colour or interest.
