DEPRESSIVE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

depressive

adjective

di-ˈpre-siv

Definition of depressive

as in bleak

causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the depressive story about a struggling artist

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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 depressive Research has found that low serotonin levels could lead to the return of clinically significant depressive symptoms in people who have depression. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2026 This dichotomy, between depressive routine and the spark of something exciting, or even irksome, both informs each relationship, and clarifies (for the viewer) Arash’s state of mind the more his reasons are revealed. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 The feeling of being an outsider resulted in a major depressive episode. — Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Regular attendees also tended to smoke less, experience fewer depressive symptoms and have stronger social support, the researchers reported in 2016. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressive

Adjective

Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Yet missing from this bleak picture are the ways that Ukraine has already adapted to escalating attacks.

— Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of bleak

Adjective

The daughter of a brass tree guest told me that on the last day, her mother pulled her aside and offered a somber warning.

— Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Miller's new ad opens with a somber sequence of close-ups of various people's faces as the congressman talks about how divorce affects families.

— Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of somber

Adjective

In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Connie Britton and Sam Nivola lead the series created by Nick Paley that blends mystery, dark comedy and the awkwardness of adolescence.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of dark

Adjective

Freely adapted by the director Igor Golyak from Ionesco’s 1963 play Délire à deux (usually titled in English Frenzy for Two, or More), Delirium takes place in a world of morbid foregone conclusions.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
The morbid fun of the film is seeing just how easily Borisov gets mowed over.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of morbid

Adjective

The spirituality throughout is imbued with a solemn reverence more Catholic than Baptist.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
This production, solemn about our obligations to one another but committed to providing a good night out at the theater, is neither.

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of solemn

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depressions

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deprivation

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“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of depressive

adjective

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