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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bleak
At that point, his NFL future looked bleak.
—
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
It’s informed by his love of The Weeknd (an all-time hero) but also a number of synth-pop and electronic icons; Lovercore shares the same bleak shades of Depeche Mode’s 1986 monster Black Celebration.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
The report’s release comes during an already bleak year for marine life, especially off California.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
States have disputed and rejected the administration’s bleak description of conditions on the ground.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
It’s informed by his love of The Weeknd (an all-time hero) but also a number of synth-pop and electronic icons; Lovercore shares the same bleak shades of Depeche Mode’s 1986 monster Black Celebration.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
The report’s release comes during an already bleak year for marine life, especially off California.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
States have disputed and rejected the administration’s bleak description of conditions on the ground.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
-
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
-
Welcome to the most depressing engagement party of the century.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
23 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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The high Arctic is home to an array of breathtaking sights, unique wildlife, and remarkable terrain that can only be experienced by traveling to the chilly region, and Atlas Ocean Voyages wants to take you there in style.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
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Temperatures will stay chilly over the weekend, reaching around 50 degrees on Saturday and 56 degrees on Sunday.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
30 Oct. 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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Will the rainy weather clear out for trick-or-treat time on Friday?—
Cheryl Vari,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
27 Oct. 2025
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Still, Gomez braved a rainy, cold Saturday night to attend a dance social in the West Loop.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That especially applies to properties linked to some of the city’s most chilling murder cases.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The film provides a chilling look at what could happen if a nuclear missile were launched at the United States.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
31 Oct. 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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Featuring the works of artist Michael Storrings, the puzzle artfully depicts a snowy winter scene in New York City, complete with the subway line, skyscrapers, bright yellow taxis, storefronts, and of course, pedestrians strolling the streets.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
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Warm and refined, the natural fleece layers of icebreaker’s RealFleece™ Descender line look sharp enough for a fireside dinner but have the technical details to keep you warm when moving around the snowy grounds.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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