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
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Dec. 2025
Most Americans find keeping up with the news quite depressing.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Investors should also note that slower growth reduces the risk of flooding the market and depressing prices.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Adjective
These are films that reflect the human condition in all its depressing glory, holding up a mirror while entertaining us at the same time.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Dec. 2025
Most Americans find keeping up with the news quite depressing.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
Verb
Still, any further restrictions on shots by ACIP could have trickle-down effects, further depressing already declining immunization rates for vaccine-preventable diseases and raising the risk of outbreaks.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Investors should also note that slower growth reduces the risk of flooding the market and depressing prices.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
Adjective
-
Her family later learned that on April 23, 2021 — the day Parker found his aunt in a bleak mood — Dee had an angry confrontation over financial issues with two employees of the trucking company.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Some of Tarr’s most memorable scenes feature landscapes, often bleak and despairing settings of decaying Hungarian towns, punctuated with close-ups of characters’ faces.—
John Penner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Everyone's a little sad in The Holdovers, Alexander Payne's charmingly sour comedy about a student stuck at his New England boarding school over the holidays with only his grouchy professor (Paul Giamatti) and the school cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) for company.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The 25-year-old wide receiver is sad to see his teammates go, but trusts the vision of the New York front office.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
After throwing for just 241 total yards in wins over Texas A&M and Ohio State to start Miami’s postseason journey, Beck completed 23 of 37 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns with one interception and had the game-clinching rushing touchdown.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This happened after a number of protesters began throwing snowballs at federal vehicles on the scene.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flood risk, while offering an upscale look.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Disneyland will restart its 70th anniversary celebration with a new menu lineup designed to tempt foodies and keep them coming back for more after pressing pause on the yearlong party during the Halloween and Christmas seasons.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
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The bottom line With home equity loan rates low, average home equity amounts high and the need for extra financing at the start of the year pressing, homeowners could be well-served by exploring their home equity loan options now.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
During high-stress situations, accepting negative emotions rather than avoiding them can reduce depressive symptoms.—
Stacy Shaw,
Fortune,
26 Dec. 2025
-
During high-stress situations, accepting negative emotions rather than avoiding them can reduce depressive symptoms.—
Stacy Shaw,
The Conversation,
18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Add the pathetic reality that Illinois is the very definition of unfriendliness for business development and job creation, and the only thing Pritzker and his accomplices can campaign on is the vilification of Trump, facts be damned.—
Paul Miller,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
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There are solutions to Joe Biden’s failing and pathetic attempts to raise money to build a presidential library.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
20 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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