as in somber
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
a pessimist who is given to morbid introspection and thoughts of death
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Recent Examples of morbid
Locke’s intention, presumably, wasn’t to be morbid.
—
Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
The filmmakers make an intentional decision to avoid actually sharing footage of Black deaths and anti-Black police violence on screen to avoid straying into morbid spectacle, which is a commendable ethical choice most non-Black filmmakers might not have made.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom avoid talking about death, treating it as taboo or a morbid subject.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Outside, 12 Mar. 2026
Death Cafe event in Encinitas Talking about death doesn’t have to be scary, morbid or sad.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for morbid
Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
The filmmakers make an intentional decision to avoid actually sharing footage of Black deaths and anti-Black police violence on screen to avoid straying into morbid spectacle, which is a commendable ethical choice most non-Black filmmakers might not have made.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom avoid talking about death, treating it as taboo or a morbid subject.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Outside, 12 Mar. 2026
Death Cafe event in Encinitas Talking about death doesn’t have to be scary, morbid or sad.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for morbid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for morbid
Adjective
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The band also hopes to provide a jolt of musical energy at otherwise somber protests.—
Adrian Florido,
NPR,
16 Apr. 2026
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Picasso's grandson, Olivier Widmaier Picasso, said the painting is rendered in the artist's signature style and the grey, white and cream composition reflects the sombre mood of the era, per Reuters.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Take 25 Hours, in Long Island City, for example, which is freighted with a depressing ambience that is equal parts chemistry lab and subterranean grotto.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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Dede Ayite’s costume design nails each character, from Catherine’s slouchy, depressing sweats-and-flannels to Claire’s chic, New York casual-glam.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That’s partly because their bleak ending feels like a foregone conclusion from the start, even as Levinson’s frequently funny script crackles with comic depravity.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
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While the subject matter is bleak, Almodóvar balances the darkness with a tenderness and sensitivity that comes from a career of exploring women's lives at their most intimate.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Although some patients saw reductions in depressive symptoms for up to 12 months, most effects began to wane after nine months.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
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Longitudinal studies report 2 to 5 times higher risk for major depressive episodes during perimenopause compared with late premenopause.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Set dark green pieces aside separately.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 Apr. 2026
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Thanks to its high altitude and exceptionally dark skies, this location offers stunning views of the Milky Way and countless stars.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Natalia, a lonely Brazilian centenarian, anchors this searching novel.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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In a just world, Katie and Sunny would find love with people that deserve them, and Archie would be left to contemplate his sad, lonely existence.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Scenes from some of the Robert Pearson character’s old movies are done in a 1940s Hollywood style using young actors that resemble James Dean or Robert Mitchum juxtaposed with the stark, solemn, isolated existence of the elderly Pearson.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
9 Apr. 2026
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Although the pope celebrates mass regularly on Sundays, feast days, and many other occasions, the Urbi et Orbi blessing is much rarer, reserved for solemn events in the church’s liturgical calendar.—
Leo XIV,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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For myself, having a Wrangler is the perfect vehicle to just drive these desolate roads.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
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Eastern New Mexico — dry, desolate — looks and feels very much like an appendage of West Texas.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Morbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/morbid. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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