1
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the depressing atmosphere of the empty mall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sad
causing unhappiness
more depressing news about the famine overseas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in saddening
to make sad
the thought of once again failing the bar exam depressed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in throwing
to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally
construction workers depressed the roadbed in order to make way for an overpass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reducing
to diminish the price or value of
the glut of wheat on the market has depressed that commodity for most of the past year
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in pressing
to push steadily against with some force
depressed the lever to start the machine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of depressing
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 2 July 2025
But already there are major depressing effects on the ports and warehousing that are important contributors to California's economy.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
They had been held back by former Mayor Sanders’ invalidated initiative that had seriously hampered the recruitment and retention of city employees by depressing wages and making San Diego uncompetitive.
—Chris Brewster, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Adjective
That this show could mark a turning point for free speech and the First Amendment is just too depressing to contemplate.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 2 July 2025
But already there are major depressing effects on the ports and warehousing that are important contributors to California's economy.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Verb
This would stop companies from artificially depressing their financial state to justify rate increases, the lawmakers said.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
They had been held back by former Mayor Sanders’ invalidated initiative that had seriously hampered the recruitment and retention of city employees by depressing wages and making San Diego uncompetitive.
—Chris Brewster, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
Adjective
-
Restaurants were closed, staff were furloughed, and the broad outlook on the hospitality industry’s future was, in a word, bleak.—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
-
The reversal is notable because this traditionally bleak indicator had been trending more positively under Trump's second term—until now.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
The sad reality is that Lucky really hasn't had all that much luck in his life to date.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
-
These people have gone through hell, and so checking in sometimes is just equally as sad and devastating.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
State governments, as well as drug manufacturers, provide financial help to the uninsured, often reducing the cost of PrEP medicines to zero.—
James K. Glassman,
Boston Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Device lifecycle management and repair services will become increasingly important, reducing the amount of technology that ends up in landfills.—
Max Silber,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Brighton are a very high-pressing team, so there were reasons.—
Megan Feringa,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Add chicken and toss until evenly coated, pressing to adhere.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
There was also a 28% lower risk of falls, and a 22% lower incidence of depressive symptoms.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 July 2025
-
A couple of small trials have even shown that following the Med diet for a few weeks may soften the severity of depressive symptoms in people who already have them.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Phoenix assumes a pathetic and quietly arrogant demeanor as Joe, who speaks in a squeaky, exasperated cadence.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
17 July 2025
-
Enter Flores, who was hired shortly after that pathetic performance.—
Steve Silverman,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
These photovoltaic panels are designed to generate renewable energy on-site, significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact while also lowering its operational costs.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
-
New Mexico policymakers can improve the state’s economy by lowering tax rates and reducing barriers to work.—
Adam A. Millsap,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The work’s third movement offers an intriguing pizzicato section, as well moments of discordant — though not somber — unease.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
-
On Wednesday, hundreds prayed, wept and held one another at a prayer service, among the first of many somber gatherings to come in the weeks ahead.—
Nadia Lathan,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressing. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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