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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of oppressive For each, the delicate negotiations of a new relationship mingle with the oppressive fear of exposure. —

Nina Lacour, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 That, plus an economic system and society that abide by inadequate low-income wages, lack of national health care, oppressive housing and rent practices, and more. —

Kevin Fagan, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025 The Assad dynasty’s autocratic rule in Syria was marked by decades of fighting, bloodshed and oppressive political crackdown. —

Eyad Kourdi, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 Fantasy books deal in good and evil, with oppressive ruling empires carrying messages about power and justice. —

Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for oppressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive

Adjective

The protest was not politically motivated, but demonstrations in the country can sometimes lead to political unrest under the harsh regime.

— Brie Stimson, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
The delays follow the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a warning over harsh weather for residents of Huntersville and Gastonia in North Carolina, which is also affecting the Charlotte Douglas Airport.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025