depressive

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
dē-
1
: tending to depress
2
: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression
depressive symptoms
a depressive patient
depressively adverb

depressive

2 of 2

noun

: 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
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.
Adjective
As someone who has never been swayed by Gad’s particular brand of obnoxiously chipper humor, Noah’s depressive snark finds him in a much more comfortable register. Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025 Of course as their cross-country road trip progresses and Felice racks up first-round-loss after first-round-loss, Gatti’s louche lifestyle is revealed to have a darker, more depressive aspect. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
This two-part film dedicates stories to two seemingly polar-opposite sisters: the depressive, defeated Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and the controlling, judgmental Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg). Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 The only things shaky about Relish are the junkies, prostitutes, suicidal depressives, and sinners who populate Osborne's songs. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depressive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressive was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressive. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

depressive

1 of 2 adjective
de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpres-iv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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