1
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the usual glum waiting room at the tax collector's office a cold, glum day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sad
feeling unhappiness
how can you be glum after such a great day?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pouting
given to or displaying a resentful silence and often irritability
a chronically glum and pouting child
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 glum
Imagine, then, my discontent on learning of a recent U.K. court decision that underscores our glum reality.
—
Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Spencer Platt | Getty Images Taken from CNBC’s Daily Open, our international markets newsletter — Subscribe today
The U.S. consumer hasn’t felt so glum about the economy since November 2022, according to a survey by the University of Michigan.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025
On the industry side, homebuilders are feeling glum amid tariff talk.
—Jasmine Cui, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
Kyiv launched the raid in a bid to counter the unceasingly glum news from the front line, as well as draw Russian troops away from the battlefield inside Ukraine and gain a bargaining chip in any peace talks.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for glum
Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Spencer Platt | Getty Images Taken from CNBC’s Daily Open, our international markets newsletter — Subscribe today
The U.S. consumer hasn’t felt so glum about the economy since November 2022, according to a survey by the University of Michigan.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025
On the industry side, homebuilders are feeling glum amid tariff talk.
—Jasmine Cui, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
Kyiv launched the raid in a bid to counter the unceasingly glum news from the front line, as well as draw Russian troops away from the battlefield inside Ukraine and gain a bargaining chip in any peace talks.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for glum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glum
Adjective
-
The latest Email Threat Trends Report from VIPRE paints a bleak picture.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Related article Putin just called Trump’s bluff on Ukraine, with the Russian art of the ‘no’ deal Ukraine in 2025 is a bleak prospect.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
My back hurt from that sad excuse for a chair (seriously, who designs dining chairs to feel like medieval torture devices?).—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
-
Stewart is still thanked by gay fans by creating such a rare, highly visible (albeit sad) representation.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, the combination of the stone fireplace and the dark wood cabinets and shelves flanking it contributed to the overall impression of a somber, too-serious space.—
Meghan Holloran,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2025
-
Trump will participate in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony and speak at the cemetery’s amphitheater, in what has been a somber occasion for U.S. presidents.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
That would increase to 40% for productions outside of the Los Angeles area, or in economically depressed areas of Los Angeles.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
23 May 2025
-
In a depressed environment, where every effort is scrutinised, Moynat’s outing for 520 plays on the simple bond between pets and their owners, landing well.—
Gemma A. Williams,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
The crew is under the supervision of the capable Mensah (Noma Dumezweni) who is prone to panic attacks as the group visits an irritable planet at the behest of The Corporation — a powerful business conglomerate where profit is indeed king.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
16 May 2025
-
It’s said to cause people to become irritable, aggravate health problems, and abrade mechanical devices.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
Set in a town ruled by absurd karate law, the film watches as a lonely teen forms an unlikely bond with the ghost of his late father’s favorite action hero.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
27 May 2025
-
If there was no Stitch, Lilo would have remained a lonely girl, and Nani silently suffering from her massive responsibilities.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
Reports suggested that Daltrey was unhappy with Starkey’s playing on the night, and a number of songs were cut short.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
29 May 2025
-
Netflix In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Ortega revealed that the massive success following 'Wednesday' actually left her unhappy.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
The days’ loss was evident in his sullen expression, but his presence indicated his desire to play before Arniel confirmed it.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
-
For the Canucks, however, and for their fans, there’s no time to be sullen about Tocchet’s decision.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Glum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glum. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share