NYT Dictionary

GLOOMY

/ˈɡlumi/
AdjectiveNounGLOOM-ygloom-y · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

Not very illuminated; dim because of darkness, especially when appearing depressing or frightening.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From gloom + -y. Cognate with Saterland Frisian glumig (“dark, gloomy”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

duskydimcloudeddarksomeadumbralblearcaliginouscimmeriancrepusculardark

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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