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
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
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Recent Examples of bleak
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
The outlook going forward, however, is potentially bleak.
—John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
The bleak truth, Wilson suggested, is that people like joining armies of conquest.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Related article How trading Luka Dončić led to one of the bleakest stretches for any fanbase in modern sports history
This season, Dallas Mavericks fans endured one of the bleakest stretches for any fanbase in modern sports history.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Adjective
Complicating matters further is a bleak hydrological outlook.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
The outlook going forward, however, is potentially bleak.
—John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
The bleak truth, Wilson suggested, is that people like joining armies of conquest.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Related article How trading Luka Dončić led to one of the bleakest stretches for any fanbase in modern sports history
This season, Dallas Mavericks fans endured one of the bleakest stretches for any fanbase in modern sports history.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
-
This Sunday’s finale marks the end of a bizarre, depressing, and sometimes extremely funny show about a family like none other.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2025
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That’s been really fascinating and depressing and dispiriting to see.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That might be the ultimate takeaway for leaders navigating turbulent times.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Which brings me to another important lesson from turbulent times: market timing (still) does not work.—
Jill Schlesinger,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After many storms and boat impacts, their only pier is no longer safe to use so the locals have to wade out to the arriving dhows to unload in choppy and quite chilly waters.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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On a chilly, cloudy morning in New York state's Rockland County, the Rev. Steven M.P. Neier led a joyful yet solemn Mass on April 21 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Congers.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Find out if these appetizers will survive the chill or thaw to a mushy mess.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The rest of the crew chills on the beach, swimming and tanning and trying to recover their sanities.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There's an eclectic mix of jazz, big sweeping orchestral pieces, high energy electric guitars, and quiet, somber piano tunes.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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President Donald Trump is set to address the annual White House Easter Egg Roll hours after the death of Pope Francis, making for a somber backdrop for the light-hearted, kid-friendly affair.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The agency recalled that between 2022 and 2024, around 60% of annual admissions for severe acute malnutrition occurred during the rainy season, meaning that up to 462,000 children could be affected this year if the trend holds.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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Areas affected by the Harmattan experience significant dryness, unlike the rainy season when the monsoon wind (from the south) prevails.—
Christophe Lavaysse,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Inevitably, this detention will have a severe chilling effect on peoples' willingness to come to court on all matters of disputes, both civil and criminal.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
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While some lawmakers, such as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, have publicly denied any targeting, the concern alone is having a chilling effect across the field.—
Natalie Madeira Cofield,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This Georgia Rain style has a dark brown finish with distressing and burnishing for an antique appearance.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Infused with glutathione, vitamin C, and niacinamide, they’re formulated to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots, all while improving uneven skin tone and reviving dull skin.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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