1
2
3

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 Neeson did joint interviews with Anderson, who smirked and nodded along with his bleak assessment of the world. Antonio Ferme, Variety, 29 July 2025 Many people were concerned about their financial situation, as the overall economic outlook was bleak. Rocky Sharma, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 Morale among agency staff is bleak, according to one CDC official who spoke on the condition that they not be named for fear of reprisals. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 31 July 2025 And the forward list is just bleak — of the top 60 points leaders from 2019 to 2021, only one played for multiple teams. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
  • Gambling today, however, is a sad and depressing experience, nothing like my dad’s and my Atlantic City adventure.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 15 Aug. 2025
  • And yet, somehow, the most depressing show on TV—with the exception of any news broadcast, at least—is a reality soap about bougie couples in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
    Judy Berman, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
  • By unifying intelligence, manufacturers can run simulations, identify vulnerabilities, and respond proactively—protecting digital and sustainability gains even in turbulent periods.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Snowy, cold winter expected in Kentucky following historic 2025 weather While winter doesn't officially begin until the winter solstice on December 21, the Farmer's Almanac is already predicting a chilly, snowy season for much of the country, including Kentucky.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Plunging into the chilly waters off the western coast of Canada, a pair of scuba divers swam along the seafloor near an octopus.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite its somber lyrics, the song’s beat will rightfully lead to voguing in a party setting.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Despite his seemingly somber expression, Max is a happy dog.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Seattle may be primarily known for its grunge music, its vibrant arts and culture scene, and even its temperate, if rainy, weather.
    Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Power outages are common during the heavy storms of Sierra Leone's rainy season.
    Sophia Li, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2014, Hudson gave a chilling performance as psychic Stevie in the horror film The Pact II.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • While both have pointed out that only a small fraction of deals were ever challenged, their crackdown had a chilling effect in Silicon Valley and boardrooms across the world.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sydney Sweeney’s new dark crime comedy Americana is new in theaters this weekend.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Flames and dark smoke billowed over a cement factory that was set alight by a wildfire that swept through olive groves and forests and disrupted rail traffic on the outskirts of the Greek city of Patras, west of Athens.
    USA Today, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, in Lapland, reindeer wander through snowy forests beneath the dancing green ribbons of the aurora borealis.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • In Kentucky, a very snowy and cold winter is predicted following historic weather across the commonwealth in 2025.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bleak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!