Definition of leadennext
1
as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a leaden performance of a classic American play that nearly put us to sleep

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 leaden His final line was fine, especially given the blowout nature of the victory, but his legs are clearly leaden at this point. Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Feb. 2026 Snow flurries are blowing at an angle, the sky is a leaden grey, and visibility is poor. Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 There are moments where the album’s tone skews leaden, where Shaw positions us right on the edge of despair. Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026 If ‘Oxen’ occupies a region of Ulysses where Joyce’s exquisite ear for memorably musical sentences (‘Mild fire of wine kindled his veins’) takes a back seat to the leaden hum of meta-literature, that is no reason not to be awed by his chutzpah. Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leaden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaden
Adjective
  • And given all of the drama leading into the event, pretty good marks and a relatively boring draft add up to a win.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • As an interactive greeter, Melody shows how smart AI can turn boring service kiosks into friendly, lifelike conversations.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Across the street, through a thick tangle of forest, the Khodymchuks’ building stood tall and gray in the snow.
    Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Families flock to the Cape for mini-golfing, traipsing around sand dunes, comparing ice cream stands, gobbling up lobster rolls, spotting whales, and simply admiring the gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys.
    Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • He is limited on passing downs and is more of a slow-burn pocket pusher than a man with a plan.
    Tobias Bass, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In some cases, lenders may cover the costs of buydown for you (either partially or in full), if the market is particularly slow.
    Aly J Yale, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The ingredient list is simple, but don't even think about skipping the crushed ice and the classic silver julep cup.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Loons squandered James Rodriguez’s great display of playmaking and set-piece taking in his first MLS start by failing to convert on the opportunities the Colombian superstar provided on silver platters.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After four consecutive years of long springs stretching into summer, Connor McDavid and his teammates have looked weary.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Annie is battle weary this season.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The same study notes that the hormonal cascade may even dull pain by activating peripheral nerves and autonomic pathways.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Expecting dull days and strict rules, the boy instead stumbles into a world of delightful chaos and imagination – where outrageous stories are spun, and a world of wonder, memory and mischief unfolds.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flimsy nozzles crack and leak, and heavy-duty nozzles get tiring to hold when your garden calls for more watering time than your hands can handle.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Swift herself talked about how tiring the tour was and what her plans for the future were last October on BBC Radio 1 with Greg James.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Nothing gets Trump angrier than when one of his underlings is caught doing something stupid on videotape.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But to those going to an upcoming show, for the love of God please shut up when Raye is sharing this story; a quiet room isn’t a license to yell stupid nonsense.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Leaden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaden. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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