as in somber
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
a pessimist who is given to morbid introspection and thoughts of death
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Recent Examples of morbid
The sick humor of an inappropriately large insect thrashing on the bed gives way to the morbid humor of the new family of three proceeding merrily with their small lives.
—
Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
These wagers seem unfair and dangerous, and bets related to the Iran war — which traded over $675 million on Polymarket — feel morbid and sordid.
—Max Raskin, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Locke’s intention, presumably, wasn’t to be morbid.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
The filmmakers make an intentional decision to avoid actually sharing footage of Black deaths and anti-Black police violence on screen to avoid straying into morbid spectacle, which is a commendable ethical choice most non-Black filmmakers might not have made.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for morbid
Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
These wagers seem unfair and dangerous, and bets related to the Iran war — which traded over $675 million on Polymarket — feel morbid and sordid.
—Max Raskin, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Locke’s intention, presumably, wasn’t to be morbid.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
The filmmakers make an intentional decision to avoid actually sharing footage of Black deaths and anti-Black police violence on screen to avoid straying into morbid spectacle, which is a commendable ethical choice most non-Black filmmakers might not have made.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for morbid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for morbid
Adjective
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The festivities have even spread to other countries, but the day remains a somber affair in Mexico.—
Jay R. Brooks,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
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Despite his somber introduction, this version of Creasy doesn’t earn the character’s darker choices.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Floyd’s sincerity, the startling extremity of his concern for the comfort of others, snaps Clark out of his depressed, and depressing, complacency.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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That’s already a depressing number.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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At first glance, AI companions for lonely seniors can seem dystopian, looking less like innovation than a bleak sign of social failure.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
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Things are impossibly bleak for the Rockets, which were without Kevin Durant for the second game this series.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Treating depressive symptoms without looking at factors such as childhood trauma, the loss of a loved one, or being laid off from a job is an incomplete approach, many mental health researchers and clinicians say.—
Aneri Pattani,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
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But its depressive effect can harm mental health, physical health, and personal relationships.—
Claire Zillman,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But what exactly happens to these baby stars next isn't always clear (literally) because they are buried deep within clouds of dark, dusty gas that obscure them.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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All the bedrooms can be found upstairs, including one that’s currently being used as an office and a primary suite flaunting dual dressing rooms and baths, plus a sauna clad in dark gray stone.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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If your friend is lonely or struggling to establish her identity without her sister living in the house, time with friends and time intentionally getting to know herself will be more productive.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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The couple didn’t want Polly to be lonely.—
Eric Adler
April 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro.—
Horace D. Ballard,
Artforum,
22 Apr. 2026
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While it’s meant to be a solemn moment, was that uncomfortable for you as a comedian?—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Introducing the setting with a majestic crane shot (particularly immersive in 3D), his camera soars above the cave and surveys the desolate landscape.—
Eric Kohn,
IndieWire,
24 Apr. 2026
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For myself, having a Wrangler is the perfect vehicle to just drive these desolate roads.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Morbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/morbid. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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