1
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the depressing atmosphere of the empty mall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sad
causing unhappiness
more depressing news about the famine overseas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in saddening
to make sad
the thought of once again failing the bar exam depressed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in throwing
to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally
construction workers depressed the roadbed in order to make way for an overpass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reducing
to diminish the price or value of
the glut of wheat on the market has depressed that commodity for most of the past year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in pressing
to push steadily against with some force
depressed the lever to start the machine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 depressing
Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Many learned the depressing answer only when trying to scan badges and getting rejected by security, which treated them more or less like trespassers.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
They had been held back by former Mayor Sanders’ invalidated initiative that had seriously hampered the recruitment and retention of city employees by depressing wages and making San Diego uncompetitive.
—Chris Brewster, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Adjective
Some people thought that was too depressing or whatever.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Many learned the depressing answer only when trying to scan badges and getting rejected by security, which treated them more or less like trespassers.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
This would stop companies from artificially depressing their financial state to justify rate increases, the lawmakers said.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
They had been held back by former Mayor Sanders’ invalidated initiative that had seriously hampered the recruitment and retention of city employees by depressing wages and making San Diego uncompetitive.
—Chris Brewster, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
Adjective
-
This bleak vision of Hollywood makes for a fascinating backdrop.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
5 May 2025
-
But Trump and his aides are now actively trying to impede this reporting and intimidate news outlets, creating a bleak backdrop to the UN’s recognition of Saturday as World Press Freedom Day.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Her story is beautiful and sad, heartwarming and devastating.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
If my random and unscientific survey of some French opinion at all represents the nation’s as a whole, then the debut of Donald Trump’s America has left some French triste — a bit sad, even brokenhearted, and also wary and vigilant.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
State governments, as well as drug manufacturers, provide financial help to the uninsured, often reducing the cost of PrEP medicines to zero.—
James K. Glassman,
Boston Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Device lifecycle management and repair services will become increasingly important, reducing the amount of technology that ends up in landfills.—
Max Silber,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Brighton are a very high-pressing team, so there were reasons.—
Megan Feringa,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Add chicken and toss until evenly coated, pressing to adhere.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Even among those who said the pandemic had no long-term effects on their friendships, 38% still reported depressive symptoms.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
-
Some studies suggest that kids who are more likely to seek out adult content could struggle with lower self-esteem, emotional problems, body image concerns, or depressive symptoms.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Kenney-Silver delivers a touchingly nuanced performance as Anne, balanced on the fine line between sad as in devastated and sad as in pathetic.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2025
-
Marathon needs to be given every possible chance to succeed and making Bungie crunch to fix things and throwing it into the wolves as a fall release (one that’s literally on the same day as Borderlands 4, mind you) would be a pathetic excuse for support.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
These photovoltaic panels are designed to generate renewable energy on-site, significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact while also lowering its operational costs.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
-
New Mexico policymakers can improve the state’s economy by lowering tax rates and reducing barriers to work.—
Adam A. Millsap,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite the somber subject matter, cruise ship visitors shouldn’t hesitate to make the museum a priority.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedicated to the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the somber National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial features 184 illuminated benches situated among 84 Crepe Myrtle trees.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share