DEPRESSIVE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

depressive

adjective

di-ˈpre-siv

Definition of depressive

as in bleak

causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the depressive story about a struggling artist

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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 depressive Research from the University of Delaware’s Department of Women and Gender Studies found that body image concerns resulting from social pressures are linked to lower self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating in young women. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Research also suggests changes in brain chemistry involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine can cause depressive symptoms. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Adjusting to a baby can be trying, but if your depressive symptoms persist for weeks, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 27 June 2026 Similarly, broader research into caregiving has found links between prolonged financial and emotional stress and anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep problems, exhaustion and declining physical health. — Ammcise Apply, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressive

Adjective

Eventually, a gun-free compromise was found, though the opening act of the movie would remain surprisingly bleak and emotionally complex.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Some of them are orphans or runaways, and so the environment is pretty bleak.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of bleak

Adjective

The simple, rather depressing, and completely overwhelming fact of the matter is that the Marvel Cinematic Universe cannot be ignored, even as superhero fatigue has definitively set in at the global box office.

— David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
The glow through the translucent stone façade prevents that journey from being downright depressing.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026

Definition of depressing

Adjective

Written during a lonely week while Ross was away visiting family, the song explores the temptation to revisit old relationships simply to avoid being alone.

— Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
But the Jean that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) meets is just a lonely teenager who can’t fully control her powers.

— Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026

Definition of lonely

Adjective

For the past four decades, July was always a somber month for the McDonalds, a reminder of the moment that changed their family's lives.

— Ali Bauman, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Less than two months after her historic victory to become Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi Sanae stood before a bank of microphones and opposition lawmakers, looking somber.

— Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026

Definition of somber

Adjective

Their traditional decor centers around darker fabrics and pale wall coverings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Her doctor advised her to stop clinical hyperpigmentation treatments for her dark spots and uneven skin tone as some ingredients could be unsafe to use while trying to conceive or during pregnancy.

— Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of dark

Adjective

The Gwi Realm is a desolate, crimson wasteland littered with malevolent presence, so naturally there have been comparisons to that other little Netflix show called Stranger Things.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
However desolate Mars may appear from afar, there is certainly no shortage of activity on its surface — or discoveries still waiting to be made.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of desolate

Adjective

Aside from Marvel, which may be more of a morbid curiosity for some at this point, the most exciting panel is for The Vampire Lestat.

— Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 23 July 2026
The Genesee County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease, with morbid obesity listed as a contributing condition.

— Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Definition of morbid

Adjective

Both are powerful spots of natural beauty and deep cultural significance, but for a less solemn outing, the little islet of Ojima sits neatly between the two.

— Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
After seeing corrupt cops rewarded with medals and politics debase his best friend, now the courts can’t even be trusted to perform their solemn duty.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of solemn

Browse Nearby Words

depressions

depressive

deprivation

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“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressive. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of depressive

adjective

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