What is another word for joy

A direct antonym for 'joy' is 'sorrow.' While joy refers to a feeling of great pleasure and happiness, sorrow embodies a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune.

Yes, 'misery' is considered an antonym of 'joy.' The key difference lies in the intensity and context of the emotions they describe. 'Joy' signifies a high degree of happiness or pleasure, often related to positive experiences or outcomes. On the other hand, 'misery' indicates a state of great distress or discomfort, usually due to adverse circumstances, making it a stronger and more encompassing term than some other antonyms of 'joy.'

'Indifference' can be seen as an antonym of 'joy' in specific contexts. While 'joy' involves a strong positive emotional response, 'indifference' denotes a lack of feeling or concern, either positive or negative. In scenarios where an emotional reaction is expected, showing indifference can be the opposite of showing joy, as it implies an absence of the positive engagement or pleasure that characterizes joy.

'Anguish' is an antonym of 'joy' that contrasts with it through the intensity and nature of the emotion it describes. 'Anguish' refers to severe mental or physical pain or suffering, representing a deep and often overwhelming negative state. This makes it a powerful opposite to 'joy,' which is associated with peak positive emotional states. The comparison highlights the spectrum of human emotions, from profound pleasure to intense pain.