The topic of this article is how to describe a dream in a story. Read on to learn about 10 adjectives you can use to illustrate a dream a character in your novel is having.
1. Tense
Definition
Something that makes people anxious or worried because they don’t know what’s coming next.
Examples
“The dream was tense. Every time she woke up, her heartbeat was raised, and her thoughts were jumbled.”
“The tense dream left him wondering about the future. It didn’t seem so bright anymore.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show worry or anxiety in connection to a dream, “tense” is a helpful adjective to use. This word explains your character’s mindset and hints that the events of the dream were unpleasant. A “tense” dream can also foreshadow negative future events, especially if these events are featured in the dream.
2. Hazy
Definition
Something that lacks details or confuses people.
Examples
“He expected another hazy dream, the kind that lacks any focus or sense.”
“She was tired of meaningless and hazy dreams. She wanted to visit new lands while asleep.”
How it Adds Description
Not all dreams are clear and detailed. If you want to showcase how mundane or unclear your characters’ dreams are, “hazy” can help. This adjective shows the characters forget aspects of the dream when they wake up, and it also shows the dreams don’t involve any excitement.
3. Exhilarating
Definition
Something that makes characters feel extremely excited or happy.
Examples
“She rushed to bed in the hopes of another exhilarating dream.”
“It was an exhilarating dream. As soon as he shut his eyes, he could fly, speak to animals, and was rich beyond belief!”
How it Adds Description
“Exhilarating” gives a clear image of an exciting dream, and these positive connotations can imply that the character wishes they could experience it again. A character with “exhilarating” dreams might be more likely to try to escape reality in favor of their wonderful dreamland.
4. Magical
Definition
Something that is mysterious, wondrous, or produces magic-like effects.
Examples
“He laid in bed and wished for a magical dream to take him far away from the real world.”
“In her magical dreams, she was a fairy princess with control over a whole kingdom. But in real life, she was a shy student with only one friend.”
How it Adds Description
Dreams are often described with mysterious or fantastical qualities, and the word “magical” emphasizes these characteristics. If a character has “magical” dreams, they may even have special insights or other magical abilities, which can help to build the wonder of your fictional world.
5. Amusing
Definition
Something that makes people smile or laugh.
Examples
“In his amusing dreams, all colors were inverted, and you could taste sounds.”
“She awoke from another amusing dream, and she couldn’t stop giggling as she ate breakfast.”
How it Adds Description
Some dreams are light-hearted or funny, and you can show this to your reader via the adjective “amusing.” This word shows the dream was funny or entertaining, and it could put your character in a good mood. “Amusing” also has connotations or humor, and you use these dreams to show your character’s positive attitude.
6. Bizarre
Definition
Something that’s strange or odd.
Examples
“Ok — that dream was bizarre. Why was everything orange and fluffy?”
“His bizarre dreams weren’t funny anymore. Their odd plots were starting to creep him out.”
How it Adds Description
“Bizarre” describes dreams that are strange and different from normal. If a character experiences “bizarre” dreams, it might imply that they’re going through some personal conflict or have doubts about the future. “Bizarre” dreams may also scare your character or leave them feeling unsettled when they wake up.
7. Soothing
Definition
Something that has a relieving or calming effect.
Examples
“She slipped into a soothing dream about tiny animals and love. It was exactly what she needed after a long day of work.”
“I drink lavender tea every night for soothing dreams. It does wonders, I promise!”
How it Adds Description
Sleep should be restful, and “soothing” dreams can help your characters rest and repower after a stressful day. “Soothing” also has connotations of pleasant subjects, hinting that your character doesn’t suffer from nightmares. A “soothing” dream can also show your character is an overall calm person.
8. Passionate
Definition
Something that involves strong feelings or beliefs about a particular subject.
Examples
“He had passionate dreams for the future, and it was his life’s goal to make a change in the world.”
“Her secret, passionate dream was to be a world-renowned artist. But she had no clue how to get there.”
How it Adds Description
If your character’s dreams are meaningful, the word “passionate” can show their desire to make the dreams a reality. A character with “passionate” dreams might be strong-willed and determined, which can make other characters look to them for strength and inspiration. This shows your reader they have great leadership skills and a will to make things happen.
9. Chilling
Definition
Something very frightening.
Examples
“She didn’t dare to go to sleep. Her chilling dreams were painful experiences that left her feeling glum all day.”
“He feared another chilling dream. He cursed his mind for torturing him with such horrible thoughts.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to portray a nightmare or scary dream, “chilling” can showcase the negative nature of the dreams to your reader. “Chilling” also emphasizes how unpleasant the dreams are for your character, and this can evoke pity or sympathy from other characters in your story.
10. Prophetic
Definition
Something that describes events that happen later in time.
Examples
“She was sick of prophetic dreams. Why did she have to be the chosen one?”
“As he grew older, his prophetic dreams became more accurate. He dreaded sleeping every night in case he saw a loved one in peril.”
How it Adds Description
If your character’s dreams are predicting the future, “prophetic” is a great adjective to use. This signals that your character might have special abilities, and it draws attention to the contents of their dreams. In addition, “prophetic” dreams might cause other characters to seek them out for advice.