1
as in recession
a period of decreased economic activity
during the 1930s the U.S. suffered a great depression
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
she called her friend to see if a sympathetic ear would relieve his depression
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hole
a sunken area forming a separate space
the water generally collects in the patchwork of depressions in the city plaza
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in decrease
the amount by which something is lessened
a depression in the number of new homes being built
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 depression
The movie confronts Springsteen’s emotional troubles—his struggles with depression and his ambivalent romance with a local woman (Odessa Young).
—
Hilton Als, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
Rather than reduce the father-son relationship to fodder for Nebraska’s songs or overall mood, Cooper positions it as the primary issue of Springsteen’s life at the time and the source of a depression that grows more and more crippling as the film unfolds.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
And if that alone doesn’t get you, either as someone who suffers from depression or knows someoe who does, nothing else could.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
The authors say persistent fear negatively affects decision-making abilities and causes anxiety, depression and poor physical health.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depression
Hilton Als, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
Rather than reduce the father-son relationship to fodder for Nebraska’s songs or overall mood, Cooper positions it as the primary issue of Springsteen’s life at the time and the source of a depression that grows more and more crippling as the film unfolds.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
And if that alone doesn’t get you, either as someone who suffers from depression or knows someoe who does, nothing else could.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
The authors say persistent fear negatively affects decision-making abilities and causes anxiety, depression and poor physical health.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depression
Noun
-
In an exclusive interview with Fortune, Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi said that while the White House may be aiming to lift sentiment ahead of midterms, the Fed fears rising unemployment and political blowback if America enters a recession.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
-
When these run out however, devaluation is inevitable, usually causing a recession.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Common signs include persistent sadness, low energy, poor concentration, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or weight, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.—
Brandon Peters,
Verywell Health,
29 Oct. 2025
-
My impression of her first version of that song was also sadness being depicted as sadness.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Keep your windows closed and patch any holes in screens to deter moths from entering your home.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Next, a 10,000-pound concrete-and-steel battering ram was used to punch 24-foot holes through the ice, beginning at the far end of the whales' four-mile path to freedom, so as not to alarm them.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The value of rice dropped from $488 per ton to $370, but the total decline also included a slight decrease of acreage, with 6,000 fewer acres harvested in the county.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Over the next year, the bankers predict their clients will push forward a 4% general decrease in headcount, while over the next three years, those headcount reductions could skyrocket to 11%.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The fast food industry is in a slump, and Wendy’s isn’t immune.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
China manufacturing slump deepens.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The manager who is so often the picture of calm had reddened eyes, a hint of melancholy in his voice.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The pop icon’s 12th album, released at midnight on Friday, is being hailed for the singer’s return to upbeat pop following last year’s melancholy The Tortured Poets Department, with Swift reuniting with Swedish hitmaker producers Max Martin and Shellback.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Ebern Designs Propane Fire Pit Extend patio season through fall and winter with this stylish fire pit.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
-
The atmosphere is more family-friendly and festival-like, with food and beer, live music and fire pits.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The e-commerce behemoth is planning the workforce reduction largely to compensate for overhiring during the pandemic; its CEO also said AI could lead to the automation of routine tasks.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Temperature reductions from extensive tree coverage offer sustainability benefits beyond mere aesthetics — a critical consideration in a climate where outdoor spaces become nearly uninhabitable for months each year.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Depression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depression. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share