as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the depressive story about a struggling artist
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of depressive
Poor sleep became more common across demographics, though increases were greater among Black students than their white peers, as well as among those who reported depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts.
—
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Mar. 2026
This can trigger depressive symptoms or worsen pre-existing symptoms for some women.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 18 Feb. 2026
The fear alone sent Rzeznik down a depressive spiral of writer’s block, a move to New York City, and a separation from his wife.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2026
Over 5,800 adults completed a 30-item questionnaire about depressive symptoms in the late 1990s, when all participants were dementia-free.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depressive
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Mar. 2026
This can trigger depressive symptoms or worsen pre-existing symptoms for some women.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 18 Feb. 2026
The fear alone sent Rzeznik down a depressive spiral of writer’s block, a move to New York City, and a separation from his wife.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2026
Over 5,800 adults completed a 30-item questionnaire about depressive symptoms in the late 1990s, when all participants were dementia-free.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for depressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressive
Adjective
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What’s great about Grayson’s story is that things were looking pretty bleak before the Bananas rolled into town about a decade ago.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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The future looks bleak for non-power conferences and uncertain for Big East, Big 12 and ACC, too.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
All airports are depressing and scary; some go above and beyond.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
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And people in Silicon Valley are after efficiency, which lacks humanity and can be horribly depressing.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Single bunnies can be lonely and depressed.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Scripted by Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie (partners in life and in filmmaking), these words of seduction are music to the ears of a lonely Gravedigger (Glowicki), who has been formulating a perfume to cover up her corpse-like stench.—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The group recasts these songs with somber, chant-like harmonies and sparse backing—drums, keys, and electric guitar.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
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But there was a somber note too, as one of the jurors, Ida Panahandeh, couldn’t attend Series Mania because of the ongoing war.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On the last night that anybody else reportedly saw Nancy, that camera caught a glimpse of a person clad in dark clothes, wearing gloves and a black balaclava, unidentifiable, standing at the threshold.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
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Not only did that article form the basis of the film, but Lumet actually took the note and cast Pacino in the role of that dark, thin fellow.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Markets usually jammed with customers were desolate Friday, with some vendors loudly promoting their products in a desperate attempt to attract customers.—
Félix Márquez,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
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Markets usually jammed with customers were desolate on Friday, with some vendors loudly promoting their products in a desperate attempt to attract customers.—
Boston Herald Wire Services,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The sick humor of an inappropriately large insect thrashing on the bed gives way to the morbid humor of the new family of three proceeding merrily with their small lives.—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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These wagers seem unfair and dangerous, and bets related to the Iran war — which traded over $675 million on Polymarket — feel morbid and sordid.—
Max Raskin,
Washington Post,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Good Friday, observed on Friday, April 3, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is one of the most solemn days of the Christian calendar.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressive. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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