bleakly

adverb

Definition of bleaklynext
1
as in darkly

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2
as in somberly

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Dissimilar Words

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 bleakly This bleakly entertaining crime thriller, adapted from Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name, is an essential Coen brothers text. — Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 Robinson is warmly theological where Ishiguro is bleakly philosophical, lyrically expansive where Ishiguro is almost blandly lucid. — James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 In one panel, children maimed or exhausted by labor stare out bleakly; in another, unemployed men in a small industrial town sit or stand around. — Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 On the sixth day of the new year, normally a bleakly depressing time for corporate employees, Enhypen had a treat in store for their fans. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2026 Pulling all the threads together, Donald Tusk, Poland’s prime minister and a key international ally of Ukraine, saw things bleakly. — Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025 Where other projects have found success discussing the same notions bleakly, Etzler trusts his sardonic approach will tempt audiences to let their guards down and allow the subject matter to resonate, perhaps looking inward at their own complicity in the process. — Holly Jones, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleakly
  1. darkly
  2. somberly
  3. heavily
  4. quietly
  5. unhappily
  6. miserably
Adverb
  • The project uses horror and darkly comic genre elements to approach the psychological pressures of motherhood, extending Urban’s interest in personal experience as a route into broader social and political terrain.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • On is a darkly comedic film exploring family, loneliness and the complicated ways people reconnect after years of emotional distance.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of darkly
Adverb
  • James Hoffa, his sister Barbara, their adult children and grandchildren somberly mark this day with each passing year.
    — Eric Shawn, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
  • Nantz somberly delivered the emotional news while taking several breaks to compose himself.
    — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Definition of somberly
Adverb
  • The former Louisville standout was heavily peppered Friday night, accumulating five targets in Miami’s first three drives.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But rather than revert to pre-pandemic ways afterward, schools continued to relying heavily on them.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of heavily
Adverb
  • Amid the resurgence of Japanese cinema on the international festival circuit over the past few years, one resolutely indie banner, Bitters End, has been quietly growing its profile across production, distribution and international sales.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Addison is quietly piecing together a phenomenal training camp, displaying an impressive rapport with Murray after the two spent significant time together this offseason in Dallas.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of quietly
Adverb
  • As the Chiefs marched to a second straight Super Bowl championship and their third in five seasons, Toney watched unhappily.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But its actual lead is Alice (Souheila Yacoub), a Frenchwoman unhappily married to Joseph’s older brother, Will (George Pullar).
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of unhappily
Adverb
  • National Socialism failed miserably in Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist (Nazi) Germany.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
  • After Carlson officially flamed out, Brayden Narveson failed miserably.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of miserably

Browse Nearby Words

bleak
bleakly
bleakness
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Cite this Entry

“Bleakly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleakly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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