Search Dictionary
Definition of dystopian

dystopian

/dɪsˈtoʊpiən/
dys · to · pi · an
Plural:dystopians
JUMP TO:

dystopian Lexical Profile

dystopian Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering, environmental ruin, or totalitarian injustice.

Example

"The novel depicts a bleak, dystopian future in which every citizen's thoughts are monitored by the state."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dystopian
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dystopian

• noun

1

An inhabitant of a dystopia, or a writer or thinker who envisions or analyzes dystopian societies.

Example

"Literary critics often compare the warnings of twentieth-century dystopians with modern technological trends."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for dystopian

• Rhymes for dystopian

• Nearby Words

dysmorphia
dyssodia
dystopia
dystopian
dystopic
e-commerce
e-news

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-20th century from 'dystopia' plus the suffix '-an'. 'Dystopia' was coined in 1868 by British philosopher John Stuart Mill from Ancient Greek 'dys-' (bad) and 'topos' (place), modeled as a direct contrast to Sir Thomas More's 'Utopia'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dystopian. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dystopian
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.