variants
also elegiacal
as in depressing
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the sight of an old ruined church or castle can be a pleasantly elegiac experience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 elegiac
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 July 2025
At times in Italy, though, Charles struck an elegiac tone.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Bill Murray as Arthur Howitzer Jr. in The French Dispatch
Arthur Howitzer Jr.’s stewardship over the titular French Dispatch publication ties together the four segments of Anderson’s 2021 film as well as provides the movie with its elegiac heart.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
The elegiac Terenti Graneli was the nation’s most significant poet for 800 years.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elegiac
Noun
The elegiac ballad, released in 2022, comes at a moment of release for Jessica (Megan Stalter), who had just broken up with her boyfriend, Felix (Will Sharpe), when her dog unexpectedly died.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 July 2025
At times in Italy, though, Charles struck an elegiac tone.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Bill Murray as Arthur Howitzer Jr. in The French Dispatch
Arthur Howitzer Jr.’s stewardship over the titular French Dispatch publication ties together the four segments of Anderson’s 2021 film as well as provides the movie with its elegiac heart.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
The elegiac Terenti Graneli was the nation’s most significant poet for 800 years.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elegiac
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegiac
Adjective
-
Gambling today, however, is a sad and depressing experience, nothing like my dad’s and my Atlantic City adventure.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Aug. 2025
-
And yet, somehow, the most depressing show on TV—with the exception of any news broadcast, at least—is a reality soap about bougie couples in the suburbs of Los Angeles.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The researchers combined data from three previous German randomized clinical trials that aimed to reduce elevated depressive symptoms and diabetes distress in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.—
Paul McClure
August 09,
New Atlas,
9 Aug. 2025
-
However, the majority of those studies found that the supplements didn’t outperform a placebo in reducing depressive symptoms.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
Health,
16 July 2025
Noun
-
Much of the chapter is like an elegy to what would be lost.—
Shaun McKinnon,
AZCentral.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Vo’s ongoing examination of empire and identity unfolds here as both monument and elegy.—
Nel-Olivia Waga,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
The modern poster girl for the trend is Wednesday Addams, the Addams Family’s morbid and emotionally reserved daughter, who is the focus of Tim Burton’s Netflix series starring Ortega in the role.—
Ella Alexander,
CNN Money,
13 Aug. 2025
-
And no, the whole thing isn't just an exercise in morbid curiosity.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This eatery at the summit of Cannon’s tramway offers cafeteria food, grab-and-go options, and, most notably, the highest-elevation beer taps in the state of New Hampshire.—
Sarah Cahalan,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Dec. 2024
-
This lack of resolution taps into the brain’s natural drive for cognitive closure, which according to 2014 study, is the innate desire to resolve ambiguity and make sense of unfinished experiences.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The wake itself turns out to be less funereal and more a celebration of life.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
-
But when did our mutual garment become so funereal? Advertisement Joy, it is sometimes said these days, is resistance.—
David Litt,
Time,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Wylde seemed right at home recreating the droning opening dirge as the band slowed down into a stellar stoney groove throughout a standout moment Saturday night.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
As Black Sabbath’s doomsayer-in-chief, Osbourne could summon a true sense of terror in his keening cries in a way that heightened the band’s muscular dirges.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
This little slice of heaven in Northwest Austin is far less crowded, the vibe is gloriously chill, and – plot twist!—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
Navigate through the shop aisle to the breezy oceanfront dining room in the back, set on a surprisingly chill stretch of sand.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elegiac.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegiac. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share