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
In another depressing week for the UK’s public broadcaster, there were more cuts, talk of even more cuts and programs scrapped, as the BBC’s desperate bid to make the books work continues under former Google EMEA chief Matt Brittin. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026 This may sound very depressing and chaotic, but, in recent years, there has been some progress in reducing this hazard. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
Idaho Dairymen’s Association CEO Rick Naerebout told the Statesman that over the years there has been frustration in the industry with Canada over dairy regulations and trade policies depressing world market prices. — Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026 Also helping is Kevin Warsh, the new Federal Reserve head, who is working to get our central bank focused on currency stability as the way to fight inflation, rather than depressing economic activity. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 21 July 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
  • His isolated existence is bleak, especially for such a bighearted person naturally inclined to love others.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But in a bleak indicator of the current political climate, the bait was inflammatory content about Muslims.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Sheriff’s officials sad Damico, who had personal ties with Canata, claimed to be his power of attorney but was unable to provide any correlating paperwork or a will to verify such statements.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The musical comedy has earned Moore raves on the festival circuit for her role as a sad suburban homemaker turned anxious aspiring actress in a New Jersey community theater.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 9 Nov. 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
  • The Cubs expect Brown will start throwing after the new year.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Meaning, short of throwing him onstage as a hologram or doling out money-grabbing box sets, a tasteful collection with a brand with a real connection to his work is actually one of the better options that exist.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of throwing
Verb
  • Arenberg Seltzer explained that the council's two main priorities are reducing the number of children in foster care and decreasing juvenile arrests.
    — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Fraser Shilling, director of the Road Ecology Center, and his team determined that extensive fencing on highways is the solution to reducing roadkill, not just wildlife crossings.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of reducing
Verb
  • Sacramento City Unified leaders are pressing the city for notifications when ICE operates near schools after a parent was detained blocks from an elementary campus.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Their most pressing needs are their bullpen and bench, areas that often draw less fanfare.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of pressing
Adjective
  • And more than a third of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women worldwide report depressive symptoms.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Sleep disturbances are common in depression, and night owls (who tend to get less sleep than early birds) are likely to have more and worse depressive symptoms.
    — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of depressive
Adjective
  • In fact, the only previous cinematic encounter was the unfortunate 2003 live-action version with Mike Myers that flopped critically and at the box office, winning a pathetic 10 Razzie nominations as one of the worst pictures of that year.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Simply pathetic, but, MY LIONS stay close in the NFC North race and sets up what should be one of the biggest Thanksgiving Day games in Lions history when the Bears come to town on November 26.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of pathetic

Browse Nearby Words

depresses
depressing
depression
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Cite this Entry

“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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