1
as in to depress
to make sad
this gloomy weather is oppressing all of us
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
a film about a man who is haunted and oppressed by the secrets of his past
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oppress
But, when the Evil Queen takes over, her dark manner and heavy-handed leadership oppress the people.
—
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025
That is not a typo—Saudi Arabia, the regime that oppressed Rahaf and millions of other women as a matter of state policy, is in charge of monitoring the rights of women worldwide.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
The orthodoxy of a previous administration required the terminology; the orthodoxy of the new one has ended the students’ education and forced them to return to the country that oppressed them.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
For millennia, people in power have oppressed their subjects by exploiting the narrowness and fragility of the neck – a dark history of dominating and terrorizing one another using shackles, nooses and guillotines.
—Kent Dunlap, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppress
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025
That is not a typo—Saudi Arabia, the regime that oppressed Rahaf and millions of other women as a matter of state policy, is in charge of monitoring the rights of women worldwide.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
The orthodoxy of a previous administration required the terminology; the orthodoxy of the new one has ended the students’ education and forced them to return to the country that oppressed them.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
For millennia, people in power have oppressed their subjects by exploiting the narrowness and fragility of the neck – a dark history of dominating and terrorizing one another using shackles, nooses and guillotines.
—Kent Dunlap, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppress
Verb
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This threatens to significantly depress consumer purchasing and affect the entire industry.—
Kristina Partsinevelos,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2025
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The 25% tariffs on all car, truck, and auto part imports that the president announced Wednesday evening continued to depress automakers’ stocks Friday, with Stellantis (STLA) dropping 4.1%, Ford (F) down 2%, and General Motors (GM) off 1.1%.—
Josh Fellman,
Quartz,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The book was a tale of heroic resistance, but stretched across so many years of television, the bursts of rebellion were overwhelmed by long periods of suffering.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
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In my opinion, today's consumers are overwhelmed by noise—too many offers, messages and distractions.—
Ali Payani,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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School choice is about empowering all families — regardless of income — to select the best education for their children, and burdening schools and families with excessive red tape will only stand in the way of that goal.—
Skylar Zander,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2025
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People were burdened with high gas prices, including a record high of $5 per gallon.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This decision devastated Ajax, whose honor and ego were deeply wounded.—
Antonis Kocheilas,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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When Hurricane Milton ripped through Tampa Bay on October 9, less than two weeks had passed since Hurricane Helene struck the same area, and the region was devastated.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The six defendants allegedly began holding a man against his will on March 14 and proceeded to torture him at a Red Roof Inn in Maumee, Ohio, according to an arrest warrant.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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He was detained, tortured with electric shock shock and suffocation.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Both Banchero and Wagner, who started alongside Cory Joseph, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Wendell Carter Jr., were able to overcome the defensive attention from the Kings and attack the basket with ease.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner: With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller.—
Sara Vallone,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2025
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Though Murphy's death saddens the sanctuary, the rescue organization is grateful for the support that formed around the beloved bald eagle.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But the federal effort to regulate ghost guns has been troubled by uneven enforcement, significant loopholes and court challenges.—
Annie Karni,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
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More Virgil van Dijk stories Virgil van Dijk confirms ‘discussions are ongoing’ over new Liverpool contract How Virgil van Dijk added another layer to his game at Arne Slot’s Liverpool Is Alexander Isak the striker who troubles Virgil van Dijk more than any other?—
Sam Tighe,
The Athletic,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oppress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppress. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
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