depressive

adjective

di-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
Definition of depressivenext
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the depressive story about a struggling artist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 depressive Research has found that low serotonin levels could lead to the return of clinically significant depressive symptoms in people who have depression. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2026 This dichotomy, between depressive routine and the spark of something exciting, or even irksome, both informs each relationship, and clarifies (for the viewer) Arash’s state of mind the more his reasons are revealed. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 The feeling of being an outsider resulted in a major depressive episode. — Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Regular attendees also tended to smoke less, experience fewer depressive symptoms and have stronger social support, the researchers reported in 2016. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressive
  1. bleak
  2. depressing
  3. lonely
  4. somber
  5. dark
  6. desolate
  7. morbid
  8. solemn
Adjective
  • Unlike Gregor Samsa who is confined to his room after transforming into a huge insect, the protagonist still has to go to work, a dark and bleak absurdity that lays bare the alienation, isolation, and hypocrisy of modern life.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Providing a faint ray of hope in this otherwise bleak start to life, the five baby orangutans have been settling into their new surroundings in Odisha at the Nandankanan Zoo.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • There are concerted efforts to ban such devices, but they are still used with depressing frequency.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Sunday’s 31-24 loss to Cincinnati – the latest miserable day during this depressing season - crystallized several issues that general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley must navigate in the days and weeks ahead.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of depressing
Adjective
  • An ever-lonelier minority of skeptics argue that AI’s rise may seem unusually fast but is in fact following a centuries-old script.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, Dodger Nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of lonely
Adjective
  • Some are somber, like the single mom Mekko’s left in the lurch or a fellow journalist who prefers feel-good fluff pieces to muckraking.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The trailer opens on the somber, grayscale world of London before entering the wild, psychedelic, and magical world of Narnia.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of somber
Adjective
  • Nordic drama is still often associated internationally with crime, darker tones and a certain visual restraint.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Campaign images show close-fitting cycling jerseys paired with dark shorts, with prints ranging from yellow-green graphics to blue-and-white patterns.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • As filmmakers, they were drawn to the unexpected beauty of the desolate, postindustrial landscape.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Obscenities, the referee’s whistle, and the thud of boots into balls—and sometimes shins—easily carry across these desolate fields.
    — Vanda Mayer, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • Freely adapted by the director Igor Golyak from Ionesco’s 1963 play Délire à deux (usually titled in English Frenzy for Two, or More), Delirium takes place in a world of morbid foregone conclusions.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The morbid fun of the film is seeing just how easily Borisov gets mowed over.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of morbid
Adjective
  • The spirituality throughout is imbued with a solemn reverence more Catholic than Baptist.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This production, solemn about our obligations to one another but committed to providing a good night out at the theater, is neither.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of solemn

Browse Nearby Words

depressions
depressive
deprivation
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Cite this Entry

“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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