1
as in depressing
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
a bleak outlook for the team for the rest of the season
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions
it was a dark and bleak wintry day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a bleak December morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bleak
Against these warnings and other bleak economic forecasts, the Trump administration maintains that the tariffs are necessary to address trade imbalances and foster a resurgence in domestic manufacturing.
—
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The mood music surrounding the U.K. economy during the last 12 months has been unremittingly bleak.
—Ian King, CNBC, 22 May 2025
The latest Email Threat Trends Report from VIPRE paints a bleak picture.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Related article Putin just called Trump’s bluff on Ukraine, with the Russian art of the ‘no’ deal
Ukraine in 2025 is a bleak prospect.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The mood music surrounding the U.K. economy during the last 12 months has been unremittingly bleak.
—Ian King, CNBC, 22 May 2025
The latest Email Threat Trends Report from VIPRE paints a bleak picture.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Related article Putin just called Trump’s bluff on Ukraine, with the Russian art of the ‘no’ deal
Ukraine in 2025 is a bleak prospect.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
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The mortality rates of small indie presses and literary journals are a depressing feature of our cultural landscape.—
Michael Washburn,
National Review,
25 May 2025
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Despite there being ample intrigue and mystery around what happened to Peter's first wife, the truth is pretty depressing.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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President Donald Trump’s turbulent tariff policy is projected to cause a sharper slowdown in economic growth in the United States and around the world than previously expected, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) found in a Tuesday report.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
3 June 2025
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This turbulent phase will pass, leading to more peaceful times ahead.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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In keeping with that theme, rooms have outdoor showers (with heaters for those chilly Utah mornings), a communal patio with Uno cards, a drive-in theater and a food truck dishing out burgers and fries almost every night.—
DeMarco Williams,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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The day was chilly, but the sun shone through the trees.—
Anna Grace Lee,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Plus, the combination of the stone fireplace and the dark wood cabinets and shelves flanking it contributed to the overall impression of a somber, too-serious space.—
Meghan Holloran,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2025
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Trump will participate in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony and speak at the cemetery’s amphitheater, in what has been a somber occasion for U.S. presidents.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Inland flooding People in low-lying areas are familiar with how bad the streets get with Florida’s typical summer rainy season.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
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Trump and Musk cuts kneecapped forecasters Southern California already faced massive wildfires in January — normally the rainy season.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Any chilling effect would also come with international tourism expected to be dented this year, costing $12.5 billion in spending, due to negative perceptions of trade and immigration policy.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
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Lampton and others said that revoking Chinese student visas will have a chilling effect on academia and could turn off the brightest minds from other countries as well.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Lights with a lower temperature tend to be a warmer, more yellow shade that may look dim in dark garages.—
Molly Blanco,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
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He was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Though the first season of this anthology series shares a similar beachy backdrop as the Cliff House, the second shifts to a snowy mountain resort, which only heightens the suspense.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
3 June 2025
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Native yarrows also come in white like the Sonoma Coast Yarrow (Achillea millefolium ‘Sonoma Coast’), which produces beautiful masses of snowy white flowers that are popular with a host of pollinators, from bats and birds to butterflies and bees.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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