General opposites:
* Sadness: This is the most common and direct opposite of joy.
* Sorrow: Similar to sadness, but often implying a deeper, more profound feeling.
* Grief: A specific type of sorrow, often associated with loss.
* Anguish: Intense emotional pain or suffering.
* Despair: A feeling of hopelessness and complete loss of faith.
Other related words:
* Pain: This can be physical or emotional.
* Suffering: Similar to pain, but can also encompass hardship and adversity.
* Misery: A state of extreme unhappiness and distress.
* Gloom: A feeling of sadness or pessimism.
Antonyms depending on specific meaning:
* For "joyful" as in "joyful occasion," the opposite might be "mournful" or "somber."**
* For "joyful" as in "joyful music," the opposite might be "melancholy" or "dismal."**
Ultimately, the best opposite word for "joy" depends on the specific situation and what you want to emphasize.