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
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2026
This year’s Documentary Shorts are serious — and seriously depressing.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 18 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
These could become depressing, as well as confusing.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2026
This year’s Documentary Shorts are serious — and seriously depressing.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 18 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
-
Mendy Rendler, a longtime congregant, described the scene as a sad reminder that the congregation is displaced and not allowed to make repairs.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Oooooofff, that is sad, my heart is breaking!—
Christina Grace Tucker,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The swirling, whirling mass approaches like a steam train, picking up thousands of tons of matter on its descent, throwing clouds of snow into the air as its gathers speeds of up to 130 kph (80 mph).—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of throwing the baby toys on the couch, toss them in the basket.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 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
-
Sit your hips back and bend your knees to sit lightly on the chair seat before pressing through your heels to stand up.—
Dana Santas Feb 28,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Trump loves the physicality and toughness indicated by building miles of border wall, but the giant stretches of open border that the wall is meant to secure no longer represent the most pressing security needs.—
Garrett M. Graff,
New Yorker,
28 Feb. 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 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
-
Now, any of the most pathetic four can draft first overall.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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