depressive

adjective

di-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
Definition of depressivenext
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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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 depressive 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 Two-thirds of respondents afflicted with alpha-gal reported anxiety or depressive disorders in a 2025 University of Missouri survey. — CBS News, 19 June 2026 There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressive
  1. bleak
  2. depressing
  3. lonely
  4. somber
  5. dark
  6. desolate
  7. morbid
  8. solemn
Adjective
  • Political instability is the new normal, and the national mood is bleak.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • And into this bleak landscape marches the blue-haired angel, Gabriel.
    — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The song arrives alongside a cinematic, albeit somewhat depressing, video directed by Mikai Karl and starring distinctive French character actor Denis Lavant (Beau Travail, Mauvais Sang).
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 July 2026
  • In addition to which, the Moon is lined up with stern Saturn, which can be depressing.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2026
Definition of depressing
Adjective
  • That’s why even a creator with millions of followers can be lonely inside a system.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • One problem with all these efforts to mitigate old-age loneliness, Schiller notes, is that the loneliest generation is actually Gen Z.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of lonely
Adjective
  • The contrast of Mariama’s experience makes Stella’s life look practically as somber and sordid as a film noir, where no one can be trusted and tragedy lurks from all sides.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • This somber Australian chiller, done in an exceptionally authentic faux-doc style, follows a family trying to piece together unexplainable supernatural events in the aftermath of their daughter’s tragic, seemingly accidental death.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Definition of somber
Adjective
  • Skywatchers should find dark locations and look north, as the aurora's intensity also hinges on the solar wind's magnetic field orientation.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • 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
  • Despite the property damage, the New Jersey meteorite fragments are a rare reminder that asteroids aren’t always desolate, inert rocks.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 July 2026
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • 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
  • Leyton, citing an autopsy, told WNEM that Casper O'Brien died of a heart muscle disease, with morbid obesity being a contributing factor.
    — Nick Lentz, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Definition of morbid
Adjective
  • Preservationists also say that the arch’s scale would overwhelm the solemn character of Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
  • Nolan’s more solemn final act attempts too much and doesn’t develop some key moments.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of solemn

Browse Nearby Words

depressions
depressive
deprivation
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Cite this Entry

“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressive. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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