depressing 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce depressing (audio)
Definition of depressingnext
1
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the depressing atmosphere of the empty mall

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2
as in sad
causing unhappiness more depressing news about the famine overseas

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

depressing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of depress
1
as in saddening
to make sad the thought of once again failing the bar exam depressed me

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2
as in throwing
to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally construction workers depressed the roadbed in order to make way for an overpass

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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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4
as in pressing
to push steadily against with some force depressed the lever to start the machine

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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 depressing
Adjective
The glow through the translucent stone façade prevents that journey from being downright depressing. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 The dark, depressing story was revitalized, with a new lead character, on-screen marital issues, explosive action, and one of the most charismatic and interesting villains ever put to screen. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
Bukayo Saka — England/Arsenal Saka suffers a little here from Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach depressing the final third production of all Arsenal’s attackers. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Each is separately spring-loaded, depressing four millimeters at most (though they can be actuated with as little as two millimeters of travel) before bouncing back with a confirming click. — Literary Hub, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressing
  1. bleak
  2. sad
  3. saddening
  4. throwing
  5. reducing
  6. pressing
  7. depressive
  8. pathetic
Adjective
  • Although the news may be bleak for the dinner's thousands of supporters, the committee also shared a glimmer of hope.
    — Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In many ways, her life feels like a bleak look at the false promise of placing all of your need for validation in your husband.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • That might also explain the movie’s attempts to supercharge its few action sequences, as if the filmmakers realized belatedly that a sad book without much incident wasn’t exactly prime summer studio release fodder.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Obviously, a really sad story and hard to listen to at times.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sad
Verb
  • The news was saddening for Jewell — but also alarming for the defense.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025
Definition of saddening
Verb
  • Right now the only person who likes Heather is Carmella, and that’s because Heather is throwing some work Carmella’s way and trying to find a law school apartment for her daughter Cat.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Next happiest to see someone of Murray’s throwing and scrambling ability would be a defense tired of getting short breaks from an offense ranked last in third-down conversions.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of throwing
Verb
  • According to a news release, the program will track attendance and behavioral data with the primary goals being to improve school attendance and student grades while potentially reducing psychiatric hospitalizations.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That could lower capital and operating costs while reducing safety risks during production.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of reducing
Verb
  • Performance Right off the bat, pressing a mechanical engine start button feels more special than touching a virtual one.
    — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Gulf states are pressing ahead with large-scale construction projects even as data centers have been targeted in the US war with Iran.
    — Omar El Chmouri, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of pressing
Adjective
  • Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs such as Celexa, Prozac and Zoloft, target a range of depressive and anxiety disorders.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Up to a certain point, social media use didn't pop as a big predictor for depressive feelings.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of depressive
Adjective
  • The outfield production continues to be a concern, and the overall offensive production is pathetic.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Barkley got a pathetic 34% of team rushing attempts inside the 5-yard line (37th among RBs).
    — Michael Salfino, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of pathetic

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depresses
depressing
depression
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Cite this Entry

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

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