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
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3
as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a bleak December morning
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bleak
Others caution that Cuba’s energy situation is so bleak, its grid so broken and its economic situation so dire, that renewables can only be a small part of the puzzle right now.
—
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Employment trends have been particularly bleak for computer programming roles.
—John Kell, Fortune, 13 May 2026
In other words, the prospects of breaking that seven-game postseason losing streak — or even getting to the playoffs — look pretty bleak if Rodgers isn’t back in (yellow and) black.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 12 May 2026
The memory of that bleak New Year’s Eve episode was only a couple of weeks old.
—Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Employment trends have been particularly bleak for computer programming roles.
—John Kell, Fortune, 13 May 2026
In other words, the prospects of breaking that seven-game postseason losing streak — or even getting to the playoffs — look pretty bleak if Rodgers isn’t back in (yellow and) black.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 12 May 2026
The memory of that bleak New Year’s Eve episode was only a couple of weeks old.
—Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
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Even more depressing, this scenario essentially puts an end to the good-government experiment in nonpartisan redistricting reform.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
15 May 2026
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Such widespread outsourcing of thought and memory is deeply depressing to many educators.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Inside, another naked woman on a Jet Ski does circles in a turbulent body of water.—
Sebastian Smee,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
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The shift has direct market implications, Dalio said, as investors must navigate a turbulent period where currency values face risk and uncertainty demands liquidity and diversification including gold.—
David Westin,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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This could come as something of a shock to people who have been shivering under sweaters and blankets during an unusually chilly spring.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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Mixing textures on indoor-outdoor furniture and a rolling bar cart makes this porch suited for any time of the year, including those chilly autumn nights when living in the mountains is so magical.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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The rooms In darker hues with lots of hardwood and colorful fabrics, the rooms here don’t fall into your standard contemporary look.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
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Forty-four of the 89 counties along Route 66 were sundown towns, communities where it was encouraged for Black people to leave before dark — or else.—
Jasmine Desiree,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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In addition to a cushy design, the sneaker also offers great traction, with little grooves on the outsole for grip on everything from shiny airport floors to rainy city streets.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2026
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Against the backdrop of a rainy, nocturnal London, O’Shaughnessy reprises his role as photographer Miles who obsessively captures unforgiving, morbid portraits of unaware strangers.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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As Nikki transforms from an ordinary young woman into an unhinged force willing to do anything to keep Bear to herself, Navarrette delivers a seamless and chilling performance that has quickly positioned her as one of horror’s most exciting new talents.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
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There’s probably a smart, chilling film to be made about the terrors of smothering and relentless adoration — one imagines what Rod Serling would have done with something like this — but this isn’t really that film.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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The Atlanta Braves are back home Tuesday night for their game against the Chicago Cubs, but there will be a somber energy as fans fill seats in Truist Park.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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Despite the somber mood, some trustees were not convinced that their fate was sealed.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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With one of the nation’s lowest population densities — and most residents living in cities — Idaho boasts plenty of wide-open spaces, an amazing array of geography from huge lakes and raging rivers to snowy peaks and bone-dry deserts.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
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Crews clear snow off the seats at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Tuesday evening before a snowy concert.—
Dave Aguilera,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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