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
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
Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
This also doesn’t imply the book is depressing or a tear-jerker—quite the opposite.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
However, some economists say there are early signs suggesting AI may already be depressing entry-level jobs.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Adjective
As a result, his work is equal parts depressing and invigorating.
—Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
This also doesn’t imply the book is depressing or a tear-jerker—quite the opposite.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
The very worst position as an individual farmer is to have a poor crop in a year when yields are high nationally, depressing prices.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025
However, some economists say there are early signs suggesting AI may already be depressing entry-level jobs.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
Adjective
-
While the eradication of our species might sound like a bleak ending note, Lanthimos tells EW that audiences are divided on whether the film presents a hopeful or pessimistic view of the future.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Duffy painted a bleak scene at airports if the shutdown is not ended before Thanksgiving travel.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As Morgan and Sasha chat it up at Noah’s family’s Purim party, a sad-eyed Esther stands off to the side, quietly watching the interaction.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The footage shows Deiseroth’s demeanor teetering between sad and angry.—
David Goodhue
October 24,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
After throwing the sandwich, Dunn ran off but was apprehended about a block away.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
People were throwing toilet paper rolls and full beer cans.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
According to the current lawsuit, Fletcher has not paid his half of the minimum $1,500 per month restitution for the existing settlement, but his ex-wife has paid her portion, reducing the restitution balance to just under $56,000.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
3 Nov. 2025
-
These are all part of standard advice for good sleep hygiene, which also includes reducing screen use before bed and creating a regular evening routine, like reading or listening to calming music.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Disposing the debris is a simple process of pressing the removal latch, lifting the bin out, and then carrying it to the trash can.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate, pressing dough into bottom and up sides of pie plate.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The film is set entirely at Sardi’s, the legendary Broadway haunt, where the drunken and depressive Hart is holding court at the bar.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Deliver Me from Nowhere focuses on Bruce Springsteen in the midst of a depressive episode, struggling to create something meaningful and finite, while suicidal ideation plays discordant sounds in his head.—
Richard Newby,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Enter Claude Whelan, played by James Callis, a fine actor with a face that can contort itself into about a dozen different versions of misery and pathetic dismay.—
Brian Grubb,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Ratcheting up the pressure on the pathetic Putin will be the only way this war ends.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share