1
as in to suppress
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
quickly repressed the rebellion in the provincial city and restored order
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
you can't repress your feelings forever, so tell her how you feel about her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 repress
The export controls aim to prevent the Chinese government from developing a variety of weapons from biological to nuclear and to limit China's ability to surveil people and repress human rights, according to Commerce.
—
Maria Curi, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024
Few would lament the end of the country’s current government, especially those who have been repressed by it for 40 years.
—Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is expected to end four years of tight regulatory oversight (if not overreach, by some critics’ assessments), setting free the animal spirits repressed amid post-Peak Streaming pullbacks, strikes and other complications.
—David Bloom, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Trump has spoken repeatedly of his plans to use the American military domestically: for policing the border, deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, repressing protests.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for repress
Maria Curi, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024
Few would lament the end of the country’s current government, especially those who have been repressed by it for 40 years.
—Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is expected to end four years of tight regulatory oversight (if not overreach, by some critics’ assessments), setting free the animal spirits repressed amid post-Peak Streaming pullbacks, strikes and other complications.
—David Bloom, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Trump has spoken repeatedly of his plans to use the American military domestically: for policing the border, deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, repressing protests.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
Verb
-
But the desire to fit in with the group or to avoid conflict can often cause individuals to suppress or hide their authentic self.—
Tyler Shepherd,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Experts say many of Trump's supporters see the dozens of felony convictions against the president in a separate case in New York as part of an establishment ploy to suppress their discontent.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Camara is stifling opponents at an All-Defense level.—
Fred Katz,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Whether painting a mural, crafting a business idea, or studying environmental sustainability, students are encouraged to explore their interests in ways that traditional schooling often stifles.—
Hilary Tetenbaum,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Colloidal oatmeal helps quell any requisite inflammation, while tranexamic acid works to fade spots.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The state has scrambled to quell the labor dispute.—
Jay Root,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
In 1938, Hitler, having swallowed Austria, now demanded land from Czechoslovakia, the only democracy in Central Europe or Eastern Europe.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
-
At the time, children born with the most severe form of SMA swiftly lost their ability to move, to swallow, to breathe.—
Robin Fields,
CNN,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
As the film concludes, Dr. Cawley and Dr. Sheehan exchange a glance before Andrew (a.k.a. Teddy) is apprehended by guards, which indicates that he will be forced to undergo a lobotomy to subdue his violent behavior.—
Nicole Briese,
People.com,
19 Feb. 2025
-
The pub is first and foremost a refuge from women, occasionally a place to display them, more often a scene of affirmation in the business of subduing them.—
Rachel Cusk,
Harper's Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share