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
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Recent Examples of depressing
Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
In his teaching, Weil conveyed his love for Russian literature’s very lengthy — and at times dark and depressing — novels with enthusiasm and aplomb, colleagues recalled.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Incarceration certainly plays a key role in depressing voter turnout, which lags, in no small part, because felony convictions have made so many people ineligible.
—Kevin B. Smith, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Adjective
Sam Levinson’s vision of a woman’s life is pretty depressing.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
In his teaching, Weil conveyed his love for Russian literature’s very lengthy — and at times dark and depressing — novels with enthusiasm and aplomb, colleagues recalled.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Reeves had hoped her statement to the House of Commons would be a relatively low-key affair, but economists are warning that the Iran war could upend the forecasts, depressing growth, stoking inflation and increasing debt.
—ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Incarceration certainly plays a key role in depressing voter turnout, which lags, in no small part, because felony convictions have made so many people ineligible.
—Kevin B. Smith, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
Adjective
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That’s partly because their bleak ending feels like a foregone conclusion from the start, even as Levinson’s frequently funny script crackles with comic depravity.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
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While the subject matter is bleak, Almodóvar balances the darkness with a tenderness and sensitivity that comes from a career of exploring women's lives at their most intimate.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
-
That was very sad that Soft Cell’s Dave Ball died at just 66.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The inning included a play at second base where Luis Arraez was kicked in the throwing hand by Dylan Beavers but remained in the game.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The Pirates also took advantage of Caleb Thielbar’s throwing error to score an unearned run off the lefty reliever in the 11th inning.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The station initially bridged the sudden budget gap last year by reaching out to donors directly and reducing costs to bring down overhead.—
Savannah Sicurella,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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The ship suffered substantial damage, and the Reagan administration retaliated by damaging or sinking three Iranian warships and three oil platforms, drastically reducing Tehran’s ability to engage in the gulf.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With The Pitt having already been renewed for a third season, the emotional cliffhanger leaves viewers with a few pressing questions about Robby’s next move.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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His most pressing challenge is a budget deficit drifting above 5%.—
Lionel Laurent,
Twin Cities,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Longitudinal studies report 2 to 5 times higher risk for major depressive episodes during perimenopause compared with late premenopause.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Studies have shown that giving ketamine without psychological support can reduce depressive symptoms and suicidality within hours.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The 'merch hauls' on social media are awful, the desperate pathetic influencers trying to clout chase using the Masters are all awful.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
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In a 2024 TikTok video that has reeled in over six million views, Welch shows the pathetic state of her softside suitcase upon her arrival at O’ahu.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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