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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bleak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bleak are cheerless, desolate, dismal, dreary, and gloomy. While all these words mean "devoid of cheer or comfort," bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten.

the bleak years of the depression

When is cheerless a more appropriate choice than bleak?

The words cheerless and bleak can be used in similar contexts, but cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering.

a drab and cheerless office

In what contexts can desolate take the place of bleak?

The meanings of desolate and bleak largely overlap; however, desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect.

a desolate outpost

When might dismal be a better fit than bleak?

The synonyms dismal and bleak are sometimes interchangeable, but dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess.

dismal weather

Where would dreary be a reasonable alternative to bleak?

While the synonyms dreary and bleak are close in meaning, dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility.

a dreary job

When would gloomy be a good substitute for bleak?

The words gloomy and bleak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise.

gloomy war news

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 bleak Without Smith, the Dolphins’ tight end room begins to look a little bleak. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025 President Donald Trump has painted a bleak picture of Los Angeles since protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids broke out over the weekend. ABC News, 14 June 2025 The Testaments is described as a coming-of-age story that finds this new generation of young women grappling with the bleak future that awaits them. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025 The somewhat bleak outlook was laid bare Tuesday night after the USMNT was thrashed 4-0 by Switzerland during a friendly in Nashville. Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
  • And on that depressing thought, that's how Squid Game ended.
    EW.com, EW.com, 27 June 2025
  • That’s a depressing setup, but the film is a lot gentler.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
  • Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the rail cars can get pretty chilly, the train station is usually sweltering—that’s where this Spanx set comes in.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 25 June 2025
  • Outside, there’s a covered limestone dining terrace with overhead heat lamps for taking the nip off chilly nights and a lounge area for watching TV.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • For all the highs that Young Thug’s performance delivered, there comes one somber realization.
    Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
  • There are places where 28 Years Later is gorgeously somber, echoing the desolate lyricism of the first movie.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Between 2021 and 2024, Dr Chávez and collaborators conducted several surveys during both the rainy season (2021, 2023) and dry season (2023, 2024).
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Mushrooms are common during the rainy season; remove them if children or pets are present. 63.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Come for the carnage (R.I.P. little Alex Kintner), stay for the chilling character moments (Shaw's USS Indianapolis speech as Quint).
    Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
  • Now, in 2025, the breach at UNFI raises a chilling question: what a biological virus could not shut down, could a cyberattack succeed in crippling?
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • My challenge was to make the sequel scarier, and darker.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Prioritize sleep quality: Creating a consistent bedtime routine and keeping your bedroom cool and dark may help improve sleep.
    Stella Bard, Health, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Two additional images emphasize aerial support: one depicts marshals on a snowy plain pointing toward a King County Sheriff’s helicopter overhead, while another aerial shot shows a chopper flying low above a turquoise lake, with searchers visible below.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • Their distinctive red heads and snowy white feathers will develop at 2 years old, the zoo said.
    Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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