gloomy
12 synonyms and 4 antonyms for gloomy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Dark and dim, especially in a way that feels 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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Dark and dim, especially in a way that feels depressing.
“The sky turned gloomy just before the storm hit.”
Opposites
How to use gloomy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gloomy weather
gloomy outlook
gloomy mood
Etymology
From "gloom" plus the adjective ending "-y."
Full origin of gloomy →Frequently asked questions
What does “gloomy” mean?
The word “gloomy” means dark and dim, especially in a way that feels depressing. In plain terms, dark and dreary, or feeling/sounding pessimistic.
How do you pronounce “gloomy”?
“Gloomy” is pronounced GLOO-mee (/ˈɡlumi/ in IPA).
How do you use “gloomy” in a sentence?
Here is “gloomy” used in a sentence: “The sky turned gloomy just before the storm hit.”
What part of speech is “gloomy”?
“Gloomy” is an adjective.
Is “gloomy” a common word?
“Gloomy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “gloomy” have?
“Gloomy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dark and dim, especially in a way that feels depressing.
