depressive

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of depressivenext
1
: tending to depress
2
: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression
depressive symptoms
a depressive patient
depressively adverb

depressive

2 of 2

noun

: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression

Synonyms of depressive

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Adjective

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Examples of depressive in a Sentence

Adjective the depressive story about a struggling artist
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Adjusting to a baby can be trying, but if your depressive symptoms persist for weeks, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 27 June 2026 The activity reduces stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms while supporting better sleep. — Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Noun
The lead singer was a famous depressive. — Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 Some had heart attacks or suffered depressive and anxiety disorders. — Arianna Huffington, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depressive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressive was in 1620

Phrases Containing depressive

Rhymes for depressive

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Browse Nearby Words

depression spring
depressive
depressor
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Cite this Entry

“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

depressive

1 of 2 adjective
de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpres-iv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
1
: tending to depress
2
: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression
the patient was paranoid and depressive
depressive symptoms

depressive

2 of 2 noun
: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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