depressing 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce depressing (audio)
Definition of depressingnext
1
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the depressing atmosphere of the empty mall

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2
as in sad
causing unhappiness more depressing news about the famine overseas

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

depressing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of depress
1
as in saddening
to make sad the thought of once again failing the bar exam depressed me

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2
as in throwing
to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally construction workers depressed the roadbed in order to make way for an overpass

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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

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4
as in pressing
to push steadily against with some force depressed the lever to start the machine

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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
Adjective
After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 8 June 2026 After a depressing four-year hiatus, Bus Palladium has been transformed into a 35-room luxury hotel with a bar, restaurant, and club by building owner Christian Casmèze and hotelier Nicolas Saltiel, with architecture and interiors by the design firm Studio KO. — Alexander Lobrano, Air Mail, 6 June 2026
Verb
Bukayo Saka — England/Arsenal Saka suffers a little here from Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach depressing the final third production of all Arsenal’s attackers. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Each is separately spring-loaded, depressing four millimeters at most (though they can be actuated with as little as two millimeters of travel) before bouncing back with a confirming click. — Literary Hub, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
  1. bleak
  2. sad
  3. saddening
  4. throwing
  5. reducing
  6. pressing
  7. depressive
  8. pathetic
Adjective
  • Outside of Duran’s efforts, though, the Rangers’ offense was bleak.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2026
  • Indeed, Brocka insists on escapist fantasies in a world that otherwise offers no escape, which, in my view, is more hopeful than bleak — and, in turn, allows this kind of gritty sensuality to persist in his ever-enduring, luminous cinema.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Now, Star is reporting that Blake Lively is trying not to be bitter about not being invited, but the snub has left her very sad.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 July 2026
  • No living sister or Mother to administer relief in that hour the most sad in the history of humanity.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of sad
Verb
  • The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025
Definition of saddening
Verb
  • Barczi, a 6-foot-3, 217-pound catcher, suffered an injury in his throwing shoulder on a slide during a game against Eastern Michigan.
    — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Rangers starter Jacob deGrom left after throwing 80 pitches in five innings because of an issue with his left hip and leg.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of throwing
Verb
  • The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The goal is to improve inspection quality while reducing the risks associated with labor-intensive maintenance work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of reducing
Verb
  • Preheat the grill, cook burgers over medium heat for 14–18 minutes, flip once, and avoid pressing patties to retain juices.
    — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
  • And Uribe said the baseball discussion should take a backseat to more pressing needs like housing, transportation, and infrastructure.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
Definition of pressing
Adjective
  • Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), the largest and longest-running study of the menopause transition, shows women are significantly more likely to report high depressive symptoms during perimenopause than before it.
    — Dr. Sarah Berg, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of depressive
Adjective
  • Never in my lifetime has pathetic nostalgia for the white man’s republic been closer to the center of power.
    — Brian DeLay, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • Instagram Plus is social media’s newest low—a company preying on our most pathetic impulses, for the price of a small iced coffee.
    — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of pathetic

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Cite this Entry

“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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