weltschmerz

noun

Definition of weltschmerznext
as in ennui

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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 weltschmerz Others blame a kind of 21st-century weltschmerz—a sadness about the state of the world and our uncertain future in it. — Derek Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026 As in the original, the orchestra (fluidly led, as usual, by Rob Berman) is visibly perched above the action, pouring out weltschmerz-laden melodies that flow like a thick, high-proof dessert wine. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weltschmerz
  1. ennui
  2. boredom
  3. tiredness
  4. tedium
  5. restlessness
  6. weariness
  7. indifference
Noun
  • The core elements—airy melodies, drug talk, copious ad-libs—are old hat, but frank tales of suburban ennui and romantic strife give the Minneapolis rapper’s latest album a refreshingly personal air.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Before the constant stream of sarcastic Ultron commentary wears out its welcome around the series’ halfway point, the bad guy’s brevity is a nice counterpoint to all of the sentient ennui.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of ennui
Noun
  • But this is potentially generative boredom, the kind that might induce a trance or, at its most transcendent, a divine encounter.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Survey findings About 28% of Gaston respondents reported moderate or higher levels of negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger or boredom, compared with roughly 10% in Union, Venkitasubramanian said.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of boredom
Noun
  • When the effects of caffeine wear off, people can experience headaches, irritability and tiredness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Overexposure can lead to headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting.
    — John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of tiredness
Noun
  • Imagine 007 unmanned by a comparable tedium—slumped in a greasy London flat, counting his nicotine patches and waiting for M to call.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • That tedium could result in companies pushing uninspired and buggy products.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of tedium
Noun
  • Cheng told Hackensack Meridian Health that drinking caffeine during this window can temporarily raise cortisol even further, potentially contributing to feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Pouring caffeine on top of that peak can push cortisol even higher, which Cheng said may contribute to anxiety and restlessness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of restlessness
Noun
  • Then there were the struggling players who had no weariness excuse.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But John Bravender, a weather service warning coordination meteorologist, said 2026 has yielded a different type of weariness in Hawaii.
    — John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of weariness
Noun
  • The point goes to your colleague, although Miss Manners is inclined to take back half for his indifference to social convention.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Worse still is cruelty at a level Americans can’t stomach; separation of families, outright brutality against women and the elderly, deaths by indifference, even murder.
    — Michael Kiefer, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of indifference

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weltschmerz
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“Weltschmerz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weltschmerz. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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