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
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Firstly, the jail is depressing and the people who work there are not always nice, particularly to reporters.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 11 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
In spite of the depressing subject matter, this Wuthering Heights is more camp than melancholy.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
Firstly, the jail is depressing and the people who work there are not always nice, particularly to reporters.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 11 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
-
The economy was looking bleak, Retter said.—
Sophie Hartley,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Chelsea 2-0 Burnley West Ham vs Bournemouth Quietly, from what looked like a bleak position five weeks ago, West Ham have given themselves a fighting chance of Premier League survival.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
To many, this is a sad, depressing thought.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Shortly after the film begins, Jago returns home from the war alone with the sad news that Seamus has been killed.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
19 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 in place, this will allow staff to care for guests’ most delicate garments while reducing harmful emissions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The weapon can also fly more than 45 miles to strike mobile targets, reducing the amount of time that aircrews spend in harm’s way.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Sharks, at the moment, do not have a pressing need to create an opening on the 23-man roster.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
However, system discipline and SDFC’s pressing structure were the true backbone last year.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 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 27 Feb. 2026.
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