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
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
To many, this is a sad, depressing thought.
—Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026
Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
That leaves the question of making the 17e value for money while also not depressing potential iPhone 17 sales.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Adjective
The fact that he was voted out first is all the more depressing.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
To many, this is a sad, depressing thought.
—Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
If the starter works normally, but the car does not start after three attempts, try depressing the gas pedal.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
That leaves the question of making the 17e value for money while also not depressing potential iPhone 17 sales.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
Adjective
-
These events aren’t illuminating, and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The outlook is bleak for Spurs.—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There will be keggers, hook-ups, late nights and early mornings, all without shading Greg as a sad old man trying to turn back time.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2026
-
But none of them can say this, none of them can let their feelings be known, and, instead of a triangle, what ends up happening is three sad lines fallen in on each other, lying in a pile, waiting for someone to come along and prop them back up into a shape.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Striking out five batters in two innings while throwing six types of pitches — that has a way of getting the manager’s attention.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Those necessary steps include throwing curveballs without issue in bullpens, facing batters for the first time in live BP, sim games and eventually game action on a rehab assignment.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Once stationary, turn off 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,
1 Mar. 2026
-
That deal, which required Iran to limit its nuclear program by, among other things, cutting enrichment levels and reducing centrifuges, took effect in 2016 and was due to expire 10 years after it was adopted.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And yet, Trump has also managed to avoid complex questions about those issues — the most pressing before his administration — and despite Democrats and some of his own supporters lashing out over them.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
America has been pressing the Gulf country to dismantle those networks.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This can trigger depressive symptoms or worsen pre-existing symptoms for some women.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The fear alone sent Rzeznik down a depressive spiral of writer’s block, a move to New York City, and a separation from his wife.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The pathetic leaks didn’t work.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The jobs report was a complete failure, and his economic approval sits at a pathetic 39%.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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