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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), the largest and longest-running study of the menopause transition, shows women are significantly more likely to report high depressive symptoms during perimenopause than before it. — Dr. Sarah Berg, Time, 9 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for depressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressive

Adjective

But some analysts forecast a bleak future for Democrats in the right-leaning district.

— Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
The Herons' chances of advancing were already bleak after entering the match 12th in the MLS standings following their loss to Monterrey.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of bleak

Adjective

Romano’s wry, hangdog default demeanor suits his character, Joe, a father of two who’s separated from his wife (Penelope Ann Miller) and living in a depressing motel.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of depressing

Adjective

What brought him back to this sad, lonely spot after an entire decade?

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Cycle north along the beach to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, where hiking trails, lonely sands, picnic sites, and kayak rentals fronting a freshwater lake await.

— Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 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

Things take a dark turn, however, after a series of unexplainable deaths draw Hal and John to a small town in Nebraska.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Way back in 2012, Supreme collaborated on another Air Force 1 with a dark green camo canvas upper, box logo hangtag and gum outsole that can hit the $1,000 range on resale platforms.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of dark

Adjective

The desolate landscape and little human occupation thereafter helped preserve the rock art through centuries of exposure to wind, rain, and sun.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
In July 1991, Gerard Dorsey was gunned down in an alley off North Brice Street in a desolate West Baltimore alley.

— Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of desolate

Adjective

In the national consciousness, Blackpool has become a morbid caricature of working-class Britain—a place where binge drinking, violence, and vomit are in view of teacup rides, kids on the beach, and plastic pirates.

— George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Here are the best longevity calculators A visit to an online longevity calculator might seem like a morbid exercise.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 10 Aug. 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

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“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressive. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of depressive

adjective

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