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
Prospects for a last-minute compromise between Republicans and Democrats appear rather bleak, with government funding set to run out Wednesday.
—
Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
While getting into the dog scene, Ramis reported that someone from the production actually witnessed a near recreation of the movie's bleakest moment.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Morton has moments of stirring vulnerability as Brian’s careworn mother, whose history with Ray makes her fear that her son could go down a comparably bleak path.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
Things looked bleak for Central at that point, but the Chargers answered on the ensuing offensive snap.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
While getting into the dog scene, Ramis reported that someone from the production actually witnessed a near recreation of the movie's bleakest moment.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Morton has moments of stirring vulnerability as Brian’s careworn mother, whose history with Ray makes her fear that her son could go down a comparably bleak path.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
Things looked bleak for Central at that point, but the Chargers answered on the ensuing offensive snap.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
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Coordinating your exhales with the pressing, depressing, pulling and lifting phases of these exercises enhances activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles and reinforces proper rib cage alignment.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
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Closing The Gap The racial wealth gap in America remains depressing, and homeownership is one of the clearest indicators of it.—
Essence,
Essence,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Palace’s results this season are all the more impressive on the back of a turbulent summer that was totally overshadowed by the decisions made by UEFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport to demote the club from the Europa League to the Conference League.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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While hundreds of people who were arrested went free without charge during that turbulent year, prosecutors are now pointing to those past protests in a warning to people who hope to send a message about ICE.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This tan cardigan is lightweight enough for transitional weather but still provides just the right amount of warmth for chilly flights.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Sep. 2025
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These range from cropped flannel hoodies that place style over substance to longer versions that offer greater protection in chilly weather.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The cards show your heart has been waking back up from a deep and somber slumber to finally roar more loudly than ever in July.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
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According to the tabloid site, the couple seemed more somber and tense than usual.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Miami office of the National Weather Service called for a rainy weekend ahead in Florida, and the coast is still facing a high rip current risk from the swells left behind by Hurricane Imelda.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
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The Gators were one of the last SEC schools with an indoor practice facility … despite sitting in a state with rainy Augusts/Septembers and playing in a stadium nicknamed The Swamp.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With glowing eyes, a chilling Vincent Price-style voice (delivering deliciously cheesy dialogue), and four points of ghostly animatronic movement, this bony specter is every bit the haunted showstopper.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
3 Oct. 2025
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The 1960 movie — powered by Bernard Herrmann's chilling score, Anthony Perkins' unnerving portrayal of hotel manager Norman Bates (for the movie, much younger than the character in Bloch's novel) and Hitchcock's uncanny showmanship — revolutionized the horror genre.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Attendees can also expect kid-friendly activities, including hair braiding, glow-in-the-dark face painting, accessory booths, photo booths, and giant inflatable mascots on the dance floor.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
30 Sep. 2025
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Atop her dress, Carey opted for a long-sleeve dark leather jacket with a cropped design and edgy zipper closure.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Mowing Cool-Season Grass If your winters are snowy, your grass is likely a cool-season variety, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, or perennial ryegrass.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
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Ec3 has already warmed sidewalks in snowy Sapporo, Japan, thanks to its thermal conductivity.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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