mood
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for mood, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A temporary state of mind or feeling.
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.
How to use mood
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English mod, meaning "mind, spirit, or courage" — the word originally leaned more toward "temperament" and "bravery" than today's narrower sense of a passing feeling.
Full origin of mood →Frequently asked questions
What does “mood” mean?
The word “mood” means a temporary state of mind or feeling. In plain terms, how someone is feeling right now, or the atmosphere something creates.
How do you pronounce “mood”?
“Mood” is pronounced mood (/muːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “mood” in a sentence?
Here is “mood” used in a sentence: “She was in a great mood after getting the good news.”
What part of speech is “mood”?
“Mood” is a noun.
Where does the word “mood” come from?
The word “mood” comes from Old English. From Old English mod, meaning "mind, spirit, or courage" — the word originally leaned more toward "temperament" and "bravery" than today's narrower sense of a passing feeling.
Is “mood” a common word?
“Mood” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “mood” have?
“Mood” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a temporary state of mind or feeling.
What is the difference between a mood and an emotion?
An emotion is usually short and intense, triggered by something specific — fear at a sudden noise, joy at good news. A mood is milder and longer-lasting, and often has no obvious single cause; you can simply feel cheerful or irritable all day. Emotions spike and fade; moods linger in the background.
What is the difference between mood and temperament?
A mood is temporary — how you feel today or this hour. Temperament is your stable, long-term nature, the general disposition you are born with and carry through life, such as being calm, anxious or cheerful by default. Moods come and go; temperament stays largely the same over the years.
Can your mood be improved?
Yes. Although moods can feel like they arrive on their own, they respond to many everyday factors. Sleep, exercise, food, sunlight, music and time with other people can all lift a low mood, while stress and tiredness tend to lower it. Small changes to routine often shift how you feel.
What does it mean when people call something 'a mood'?
In modern slang, calling something 'a mood' means it feels instantly relatable — it captures a feeling you recognise in yourself. Someone might post a tired-looking cat and comment 'me, honestly, a whole mood.' It is a light, affectionate way of saying 'that perfectly sums up how I feel.'