dreary
10 synonyms and 4 antonyms for dreary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Dull, gloomy, and depressing.
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 dreary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a dreary day
dreary weather
dreary routine
Etymology
From Old English drēoriġ, "sad" or "bloody," from a root meaning "to break or crumble" — related to the idea of being worn down by grief.
Full origin of dreary →Frequently asked questions
What does “dreary” mean?
The word “dreary” means dull, gloomy, and depressing. In plain terms, gloomy, drab, and lacking any cheer — often used for weather or dull surroundings.
How do you pronounce “dreary”?
“Dreary” is pronounced DREER-ree (/ˈdɹɪɚi/ in IPA).
How do you use “dreary” in a sentence?
Here is “dreary” used in a sentence: “It was a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon.”
What part of speech is “dreary”?
“Dreary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “dreary” come from?
The word “dreary” comes from Old English. From Old English drēoriġ, "sad" or "bloody," from a root meaning "to break or crumble" — related to the idea of being worn down by grief.
