1
as in depressing
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
a bleak outlook for the team for the rest of the season
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions
it was a dark and bleak wintry day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a bleak December morning
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bleak
Hayashida’s manga ran for 18 years across 23 volumes starting in 2000, building an international cult readership on the strength of its grotesque body horror, deadpan humor and bleak surrealist worldbuilding.
—
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
But injuries took their toll and the Bucs’ hot start became a bleak streak.
—Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
They would get changed in bleak dressing rooms where players would fight to be first in line for the showers, because there was never enough hot water for everyone.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 27 May 2026
That contradiction ultimately explains why this movie feels both hopeful and bleak as a modern-industry object.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
But injuries took their toll and the Bucs’ hot start became a bleak streak.
—Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
They would get changed in bleak dressing rooms where players would fight to be first in line for the showers, because there was never enough hot water for everyone.
—Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 27 May 2026
That contradiction ultimately explains why this movie feels both hopeful and bleak as a modern-industry object.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
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Almost a year out to sea is very depressing.—
Steve Walsh,
NPR,
23 May 2026
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Some sendoffs are mundane; others are downright depressing.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Adjective
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Mourinho’s three-year reign was a turbulent era, played out along toxic battle-lines against one of the greatest sides in football history in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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The controversy offered a preview of what could be a turbulent Senate race in Kansas.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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The long hemline covers the lower back for most wearers, sealing out drafts on chilly planes.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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While their caps and gowns for the 1,160 seniors who were eligible to graduate kept out some of the chilly air, their family members in the stands were fired up with applause and cheers for students.—
Holly Andres,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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If the second section presents the diagnosis, then in the footnote to Howl Ginsberg writes a prescription, because if we’re oppressed by a dark faith then the only antidote is a different one.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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Villains could hide in the giant banyan tree or lurk in the spookily dark new flotation room; a fight scene might involve someone crashing down the waterfall-wall in the centre of the wellness centre.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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December to March is technically rainy season but storms typically happen once per day.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
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That number is 196,000 barrels a day lower than the comparable week last year, as cool and rainy weather may have dampened fuel sales, particularly in the Northeast.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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In a chilling sequence, Dennis ties a garbage bag over Mallory’s head and drags her into the woods.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
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Bobb believes the dogmatic way lawmakers talk about civics has had a chilling effect.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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On a somber night in Las Vegas, a feeling far too common for far too many in this city, Landeskog talked through the pain.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
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The somber moment at the Coca-Cola 600 came one day after Kyle's family shared his cause of death.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
Adjective
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After a cold, snowy winter, the expectation is for a sudden change to warm, sunny days come March, April and May.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
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From soft pastels to bold statement hues, these unforgettable bridal moments prove that fashion’s most iconic wedding dresses aren’t always snowy white.—
María Mérida,
Glamour,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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