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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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High-contrast, stark black-and-white tones, water droplets and a somber expression emerging from shadows.—
Evan J. Schwartz,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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There were no somber emotions this time from Dončić’s side, with Balkan music blasting throughout the practice facility before he and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka held a news conference to celebrate Dončić’s extension.—
Khobi Price,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Power outages are common during the heavy storms of Sierra Leone's rainy season.—
Sophia Li,
NPR,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In 2014, Hudson gave a chilling performance as psychic Stevie in the horror film The Pact II.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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And that has had a chilling effect on taking risks, especially since shows have gotten more and more expensive.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sydney Sweeney’s new dark crime comedy Americana is new in theaters this weekend.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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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
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Meanwhile, in Lapland, reindeer wander through snowy forests beneath the dancing green ribbons of the aurora borealis.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Midwest and Great Lakes: snowy New Year’s, big storm in early February, and brisk winds into March.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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