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
Relevance
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
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
the morning bleakness prompted me to get a fire going
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025
President Donald Trump has painted a bleak picture of Los Angeles since protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids broke out over the weekend.
—ABC News, 14 June 2025
The Testaments is described as a coming-of-age story that finds this new generation of young women grappling with the bleak future that awaits them.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
The somewhat bleak outlook was laid bare Tuesday night after the USMNT was thrashed 4-0 by Switzerland during a friendly in Nashville.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Adjective
Without Smith, the Dolphins’ tight end room begins to look a little bleak.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025
President Donald Trump has painted a bleak picture of Los Angeles since protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids broke out over the weekend.
—ABC News, 14 June 2025
The Testaments is described as a coming-of-age story that finds this new generation of young women grappling with the bleak future that awaits them.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
The somewhat bleak outlook was laid bare Tuesday night after the USMNT was thrashed 4-0 by Switzerland during a friendly in Nashville.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
-
That’s a depressing setup, but the film is a lot gentler.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
And on that depressing thought, that's how Squid Game ended.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
-
Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
While the rail cars can get pretty chilly, the train station is usually sweltering—that’s where this Spanx set comes in.—
Jessica Kasparian,
SELF,
25 June 2025
-
Outside, there’s a covered limestone dining terrace with overhead heat lamps for taking the nip off chilly nights and a lounge area for watching TV.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Monument Valley 3 – July 22 Release platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC The third game in the Monument Valley series promises to bring mind-bending puzzles and chill vibes to players, much like the first two games.—
Oliver Brandt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
Two hours of chill time will give you a solid sangria, but the flavors really start to meld after about 8 hours in the refrigerator.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
His overjoyed demeanor starkly contrasted with his somber appearance in court just a day before when jurors said they were deadlocked on one of the five counts.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
2 July 2025
-
However, while circumstances were smooth-sailing at the start, things quickly took a somber turn on July 2, 1937.—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
People.com,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Between 2021 and 2024, Dr Chávez and collaborators conducted several surveys during both the rainy season (2021, 2023) and dry season (2023, 2024).—
GrrlScientist,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Mushrooms are common during the rainy season; remove them if children or pets are present. 63.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Come for the carnage (R.I.P. little Alex Kintner), stay for the chilling character moments (Shaw's USS Indianapolis speech as Quint).—
Chris Nashawaty,
EW.com,
20 June 2025
-
Now, in 2025, the breach at UNFI raises a chilling question: what a biological virus could not shut down, could a cyberattack succeed in crippling?—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
My challenge was to make the sequel scarier, and darker.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Prioritize sleep quality: Creating a consistent bedtime routine and keeping your bedroom cool and dark may help improve sleep.—
Stella Bard,
Health,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share