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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a bleak December morning
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bleak
The state’s latest energy plan fails to recognize and remedy this and portends a bleak, costly energy future, not to mention more pollution and higher health care costs.
—
Anshul Gupta, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Before this time, young Russians grew up in bleak, rough neighborhoods ruled by street thugs.
—Mikhail Zygar, Vanity Fair, 7 Jan. 2026
The chances of making the playoff field looked bleak at that point.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Béla Tarr, the Hungarian arthouse director best known for his bleak, existential and challenging films, including Sátántangó and Werckmeister Harmonies, has died at the age of 70.
—Alina Edwards, NPR, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bleak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak
Adjective
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In the story, there is a lot of comedy that naturally arises from tragic moments, from dark, depressing moments.—
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This is par for the course, because conversations are confusing, even depressing.—
Adjective
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Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water.—
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The story of the Platonic representation hypothesis paper began in early 2023, a turbulent time for AI researchers.—
Adjective
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Featuring an oversized cardigan paired with tapered pants, it can easily be paired with a simple tank top, T-shirt, or turtleneck when things get a bit chillier.—
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The cotton-blend fabric is made for lightweight warmth to keep the cold at bay without heavy layers on chilly days.—
Adjective
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Don't feel afraid to play with bold (but dark) colors and various materials.—
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Open my soul to the vast dark places.—
Adjective
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Bella escaped her family’s Houston, Texas, backyard on a rainy New Year's Eve in 2020.—
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Chicago saw its rainiest January day in more than 50 years on Thursday night, as the storms even forced an unprecedented rainout for the Bulls game at the United Center.—
Adjective
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Threatening retirees’ ranks and pensions, which took a lifetime to earn, has a chilling effect.—
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However, apple trees require proper chilling hours to break dormancy and produce fruit.—
Adjective
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With so many comedy writers on the bill, the Broder tribute was no somber affair.—
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As is tradition, all the women were dressed in black ensembles to mark the somber occasion, which commemorates members of the military from Britain and the Commonwealth who have died in battle.—
Adjective
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But videos captured by other observers and members of the public show an ICE agent approaching a Honda Pilot that was stopped on a snowy road and ordering the driver — later identified as Good — to open the door before grabbing the handle.—
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Candles placed at the site lit up the snowy, winter night.—
Cite this Entry
“Bleak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bleak. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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