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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bleak
What the models say While things look bleak for Miami, the Hurricanes aren’t completely out of the playoff picture just yet.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
The bleak picture has some Republicans sounding the alarm.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2025
In August, the company announced Zimmerman’s plan to step down by the end of the year following a bleak second-quarter.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
While the eradication of our species might sound like a bleak ending note, Lanthimos tells EW that audiences are divided on whether the film presents a hopeful or pessimistic view of the future.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
The bleak picture has some Republicans sounding the alarm.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2025
In August, the company announced Zimmerman’s plan to step down by the end of the year following a bleak second-quarter.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
While the eradication of our species might sound like a bleak ending note, Lanthimos tells EW that audiences are divided on whether the film presents a hopeful or pessimistic view of the future.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
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The Green Bay Packers suffered a brutal injury blow during their depressing Week 9 loss against the Carolina Panthers at home.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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Soon, the entire room was awash with clippings, each detailing a different duplicitous scheme — a depressing reflection of how scam culture was taking over my country, eroding our trust in each other.—
Snigdha Poonam,
The Dial,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With those turbulent waters somewhat behind us, the ones under the ship claim another victim, and poor Britani runs off to throw up over the side of the boat.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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This election will likely be remembered as a beacon during a turbulent sea of democratic backsliding, restoring the values of a city which was built on immigrant innovation and an ethos of inclusion.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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My favorite is the Turtle Fur Totally Tubular—100 percent merino wool that traps heat better than fleece while staying breathable, keeping me warm even in sudden snow or chilly winds.—
Ariana Dickson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
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Deliciously tailgate-ready for a chilly Saturday, this hearty chili is an easy way to serve large crowds.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos were looked at by many across the NFL as a dark-horse Super Bowl contender before the season started.—
Mark Kern,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Sor Juana’s verses confirm that venturing into the dating pool is always like stepping into a dark abyss.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Amazon Unlike Brazil’s major cities, where the action ramps up in summer, the Amazon starts to quiet down in large part because of the arrival of the rainy season, which is at its peak from December to March.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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While spring is the most popular climbing season, as weather is favorable on tall peaks, hundreds of foreign climbers come to climb smaller peaks during the autumn, between the rainy monsoon months and winter.—
Manish Paudel,
NBC news,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Army nurse Holley Lynn James' disappearance in 2008 would set off a chilling investigation that would unravel into a case marked by fire, secrets and deception.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
7 Nov. 2025
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One student asked what the justices would say to those who feel Kirk’s shooting had a chilling effect on conservative speech on campus.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The 29th edition of the fest is showing off its usual rich selection of progressive programming to be sure, but in terms of emotion, one viewer told co-directors Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn, films here are usually more about getting angry or perhaps somber.—
Will Tizard,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
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Elsewhere in the interview, Eilish discussed the music industry’s initial doubt that her introspective, more somber (and at times devastating) songs wouldn’t appeal to a wide audience.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Grab these for a wintry getaway and immediately have a boot that can handle a snowy walk and a nice dinner out.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Snowshoeing and Stargazing in the Mont-Mégantic Dark-Sky Reserve One of the snowiest spots in southern Québec is Mont-Mégantic National Park, which offers more than 37 miles of alpine trails with sweeping views.—
Outside,
Outside,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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