Definition of bleaknext
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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 That night, the northern lights gleamed cold and hard, and the moon bathed the whole landscape in bleak, eerie light. Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 Lately, much of the news about the Arctic has been bleak. David Balton, The Conversation, 15 June 2026 The series by comparison was bleak. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026 Free agency looks awfully bleak for clubs targeting major upgrades this summer, which means the trade market is the primary way for teams to find external additions. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
  • After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • After a depressing four-year hiatus, Bus Palladium has been transformed into a 35-room luxury hotel with a bar, restaurant, and club by building owner Christian Casmèze and hotelier Nicolas Saltiel, with architecture and interiors by the design firm Studio KO.
    Alexander Lobrano, Air Mail, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • For SpaceX, the road was highly turbulent before the fourth Falcon 1 launch successfully reached orbit.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Stocks closed out a turbulent week on a positive note, but a couple of winning names could soon see a decline.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Monochrome Fit Summer weather can be unpredictable, with chilly mornings and blistering hot afternoons.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
  • Lopez has stepped out in Paris twice wearing a similar go-to uniform, including a breezy, lightweight outer layer that is ideal for chilly summer nights or rainy afternoons.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tourism and city officials say that marketplace channels festival foot traffic directly to Black entrepreneurs and helps keep dollars circulating in local neighborhoods long after the stages go dark.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Jason kept the look casual in a light blue graphic T-shirt, white shorts, a baseball cap and dark sunglasses.
    Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Most riders understand why the trip costs more on a rainy Friday afternoon than on a quiet Sunday morning; adjusting prices for weather, traffic, or supply is a transparent way to balance a market.
    Ravi Dhar, Fortune, 23 June 2026
  • The rainy season in South Florida attracts more amphibious jumpers to home yards — and every pet owner should fear one kind.
    Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some human rights experts have said that detaining such a high-ranking and high-profile doctor has left a chilling effect.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • The commemoration this year highlights a trend toward a chilling erasure of history, culture and achievements of African-Americans.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber.
    Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Typical of Vandenberg weather, a marine layer of low clouds and fog added a somber look to the scene.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Stroll along the shore to enjoy captivating views of evergreen forests, white boats, and the cobalt waters of Puget Sound with snowy Mount Rainier as the stunning backdrop.
    Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
  • The waitress' hair was a dark brown, and she was blessed with flawless, snowy white skin and eyes of ultramarine blue.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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