de·pres·sive
di-ˈpre-siv 
dē-
1
: tending to depress
2
: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression
depressive symptoms
a depressive patient
depressively
adverb
: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression
Examples of depressive in a Sentence
Adjective
the depressive story about a struggling artist
Recent Examples on the Web
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
More than 18% of adults in that age group have had a depressive episode, according to a report from the National Institute of Mental Health.
—Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025
Like any self-respecting depressive who’s unready to address her self-sabotaging, Laurie bails on their impromptu intervention before entrées.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressive
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Adjective
Use of an oxytocin nasal spray combined with psychotherapy may have a greater effect on reducing depressive symptoms in people with mental health disorders than either treatment alone, a recent study reported.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
More than 18% of adults in that age group have had a depressive episode, according to a report from the National Institute of Mental Health.
—Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
Charles Overstreet, a Tarrant County College psychology professor hired by the defense, interviewed Delgadillo after the homicide and diagnosed him with five disorders: post-traumatic stress, major depressive, schizoaffective, generalized anxiety and alcohol use.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025
Like any self-respecting depressive who’s unready to address her self-sabotaging, Laurie bails on their impromptu intervention before entrées.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressive
Cite this Entry
“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressive. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
depressive
1 of 2 adjective
de·pres·sive
di-ˈpres-iv
1
: tending to depress
2
: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression
the patient was paranoid and depressive
depressive symptoms
depressive
2 of 2 noun
: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression
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