Meaning & use
gloom
A state of darkness or partial darkness; also a feeling of sadness or hopelessness.
See it in a sentence
The old library sat in gloom, lit only by a single flickering lamp.
A sense of gloom settled over the office after the layoffs were announced.
A note on using this word
Gloom can describe either physical dimness or an emotional mood, and context usually makes clear which is meant.
Words with a similar meaning
darknessdespondency
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
brightnesscheerfulness
Make it your own
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