as in harsh
difficult to endure
an oppressive regime that rules through terror
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oppressive
The tension never lets up as Rose uncovers the secrets of the oppressive regime ruling her world, sealed behind a wall for generations.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Both he and Tolentino frame the at-times-gleeful public reaction to the killing as understandable because the health-care industry is structurally oppressive.
—Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Their film, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective during oppressive times, aims to challenge the ongoing expulsion and propose a vision of equality.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
Their rich odor was almost oppressive.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppressive
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Both he and Tolentino frame the at-times-gleeful public reaction to the killing as understandable because the health-care industry is structurally oppressive.
—Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Their film, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective during oppressive times, aims to challenge the ongoing expulsion and propose a vision of equality.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
Their rich odor was almost oppressive.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive
Adjective
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The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
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Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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In Oddity, Darcy (Carolyn Bracken) is driven entirely by grief over the brutal murder of her twin sister.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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Demand for EVs in China is slowing after the government trimmed consumer subsidies and perks, and there’s no end in sight to a brutal price war as a crowded field of EV rivals jostle to outperform and undercut one another.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Chase Meidroth made a shuffle toss to second base for a force out, but the Sox couldn’t complete what would have been a tough double play.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Our legislators must make some tough decisions; avoiding the issues is not acceptable.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Steppenwolf and Circle Rep, with their combination of theatrical fearlessness, searing intensity and rabid teamwork, helped shape Mantello’s aesthetic.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
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Mikey lambastes him anyway, turning a speech in praise of Richie into a searing evisceration.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
5 May 2026
Adjective
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That's a severe, potentially deadly disease caused by hantavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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Newsom and other supporters have said the tunnel would protect the state’s water system as climate change intensifies severe droughts and deluges.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Even his students can be casually cruel to each other, emulating a president that Artie almost cannot fathom.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
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Baseball is a sport built on failure surrounded by a cruel, cynical business, but this level of irony is almost too rich to digest.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Without him, that identity is harder to maintain.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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The layout resembled a samurai sword, where the hardest material is concentrated mainly along the cutting edge.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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The suspension control software from their high-performance cars has enabled Ferrari to develop an algorithm to keep the boat stable, Ribigini adds, which will be vital at all times, but particularly in rough seas and strong winds.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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Krejczyk and Gagen, meanwhile, are enjoying a season that started rough but has gotten better.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oppressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppressive. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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