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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Melancholic” — 3 Other Ways to Say It

Feeling deeply sad and thoughtful, often in a quiet, reflective, and mournful way.

IPA: /ˌmeləŋˈkɒlɪk/Level: C2Register: formalPart of speech: adj

Meaning of Melancholic

Thoughtfully sad; habitually sad or gloomy

How to Pronounce Melancholic

IPA: /ˌmeləŋˈkɒlɪk/ Stress: ooOo

See IPA: /ˌmeləŋˈkɒlɪk/

Full pronunciation guide for melancholic →

3 Synonyms for Melancholic — Words Similar to Melancholic

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

sad

/sæd/
adj A1

Feeling unhappy or upset about something that happened.

Example: She felt sad when her friend moved away.

Smart Synonyms for Melancholic — When to Use Each

sad

Deep reflective sadness quite

gloomy

Habitually sad or gloomy

sorrowful

Contemplative and sorrowful mood

Antonyms of Melancholic — Opposite Words

How to Use Melancholic and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • The melancholic tone of the music reflected his mood. C2
  • Her melancholic observations about life demonstrated deep thought. C2
  • The melancholic autumn weather matched his disposition. C2

Common Word Choice Mistakes with Melancholic

Not natural: Another incorrect use of melancholic.

Better: Another correct use of melancholic.

See collocations for typical uses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Melancholic

What is another word for "melancholic"?

Common synonyms for "melancholic" include: sad, gloomy, sorrowful.

What can I say instead of "melancholic"?

Try one of these alternatives: sad, gloomy, sorrowful. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "melancholic" formal or informal?

"melancholic" is generally used in formal contexts. Use it in writing, business, and academic settings.

When should I use "melancholic" instead of "sad"?

Use "melancholic" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "sad" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "melancholic"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "melancholic" include: cheerful, happy, optimistic.

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