Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for bleak. Search instead for bleikopf.
Definitions

bleak

[bleek] / blik /
ADJECTIVE
barren
Synonyms
STRONGEST
austere desolate dreary grim
STRONG
comfortless forbidding harsh lonely
WEAK
bare blank blighted cold desert deserted exposed flat gaunt godforsaken inhospitable open raw unpopulated unsheltered unwelcoming weather-beaten wild windswept
Antonyms
STRONG
hospitable
WEAK
pleasant
ADJECTIVE
depressing, hopeless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
black cheerless dark dismal grim hopeless sad
STRONG
discouraging dreary gloomy somber
WEAK
comfortless disheartening drear funereal hard joyless melancholy mournful oppressive unpromising
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright cheerful encouraging glad happy hopeful joyful light pleasant sunny
WEAK
appealing comfortable comforting congenial nice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When the Celtics crushed them in Game 1—“A lot went wrong,” head coach Nick Nurse said—the mood turned bleak.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

And as bleak as things may seem lately, we still do a lot more getting along than tearing at each others’ throats.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

"Right now, the scenarios are looking pretty bleak for shipping over the next few weeks," McGarry added.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“The future is bleak for us,” he adds, even though his upbeat attitude and warm energy make you feel like you’ve known him for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

And Billy was certainly there during the long, cold, bleak winter of 1777–1778 at Valley Forge.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Vocabulary lists containing bleak

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 6

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!