BLEAK Synonyms: 191 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'bleak' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bleak are cheerless , desolate , dismal , dreary , and gloomy . While all these words mean "devoid of cheer or comfort," bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten. // the bleak years of the depression

Q: When is 'cheerless' a more appropriate choice than 'bleak'?

The words cheerless and bleak can be used in similar contexts, but cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering. // a drab and cheerless office

Q: In what contexts can 'desolate' take the place of 'bleak'?

The meanings of desolate and bleak largely overlap; however, desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect. // a desolate outpost

Q: When might 'dismal' be a better fit than 'bleak'?

The synonyms dismal and bleak are sometimes interchangeable, but dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess. // dismal weather

Q: Where would 'dreary' be a reasonable alternative to 'bleak'?

While the synonyms dreary and bleak are close in meaning, dreary , often interchangeable with dismal , emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility. // a dreary job

Q: When would 'gloomy' be a good substitute for 'bleak'?

The words gloomy and bleak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise. // gloomy war news

bleak

adjective

ˈblēk

Definition of bleak next

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

as in turbulent

marked by wet and windy conditions it was a dark and bleak wintry day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chilly

uncomfortably cool a bleak December morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bleak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bleak are cheerless, desolate, dismal, dreary, and gloomy. While all these words mean "devoid of cheer or comfort," bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten.

the bleak years of the depression

When is cheerless a more appropriate choice than bleak?

The words cheerless and bleak can be used in similar contexts, but cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering.

a drab and cheerless office

In what contexts can desolate take the place of bleak?

The meanings of desolate and bleak largely overlap; however, desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect.

a desolate outpost

When might dismal be a better fit than bleak?

The synonyms dismal and bleak are sometimes interchangeable, but dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess.

dismal weather

Where would dreary be a reasonable alternative to bleak?

While the synonyms dreary and bleak are close in meaning, dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility.

a dreary job

When would gloomy be a good substitute for bleak?

The words gloomy and bleak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise.

gloomy war news

Example Sentences

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 bleak The banners appeared one after another — slowly, methodically, a manifesto of indignation unfurling beneath bleak Normandy skies. —

Jack Lang, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 As Severance takes place in the bleakest of winter months, and Persephone’s plight somewhat mirrors the refiners’ — time split between Lumon (a.k.a. —

Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 This is a bleak model for those in lamentation over our current moment. —

Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025 Increasing layoffs with seemingly no end paint a bleak picture for devs, while companies are busy pumping money into AI initiatives. —

Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bleak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bleak

Adjective

Whether the Nationals pitching staff can hold up, healthy and effective in an incredibly difficult division, is another pressing question — with a depressing answer: probably not — but at least the bats will be worth watching.

— The Athletic MLB Staff, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
Listen to this article Super Bowl parties are on the rise this year thanks to the need to decompress from a most depressing start to 2025, along with the rising cost of packages at bars and restaurants.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025