OPPRESSIVE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of oppressive are burdensome , exacting , and onerous . While all these words mean "imposing hardship," oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed. // the oppressive tyranny of a police state

Q: When can 'burdensome' be used instead of 'oppressive'?

In some situations, the words burdensome and oppressive are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain. // burdensome responsibilities

Q: When would 'exacting' be a good substitute for 'oppressive'?

While the synonyms exacting and oppressive are close in meaning, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding. // an exacting employer

Q: Where would 'onerous' be a reasonable alternative to 'oppressive'?

The words onerous and oppressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful. // the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

oppressive

adjective

ə-ˈpre-siv

Definition of oppressive next

as in harsh

difficult to endure an oppressive regime that rules through terror

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How does the adjective oppressive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oppressive are burdensome, exacting, and onerous. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

When can burdensome be used instead of oppressive?

In some situations, the words burdensome and oppressive are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

When would exacting be a good substitute for oppressive?

While the synonyms exacting and oppressive are close in meaning, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

Where would onerous be a reasonable alternative to oppressive?

The words onerous and oppressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

Examples 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 oppressive While the series is focused on the theft of sweet sap, the core characters are three people desperate to break free from oppressive systems and circumstances. —

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 For all of the media admiration, there are still detractors who view any act of selling one’s body – even consensually – as fundamentally oppressive. —

Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024 The ongoing siege at the Argentine embassy in Caracas is a stark reminder of the oppressive lengths to which Nicolás Maduro’s regime will go to silence dissent. —

David Smolansky, National Review, 12 Dec. 2024 The film embraces heroism in the face of an oppressive regime, the strength of fraternal ties and the themes of love, betrayal, morality and hope. —

Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oppressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive

Adjective

In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903.

Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Relying on harsh overhead lighting can cause a room to feel clinical and cold while too few lights make a room feel dim and sleepy.

Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024