Synonyms of depress

depress

verb

di-ˈpres 

1

as in to oppress

to make sad

the thought of once again failing the bar exam depressed me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• oppress
• sadden
• burden
• worry
• trouble
• deject
• bum (out)
• bother
• weigh down
• torture
• concern
• disturb
• get down
• distress
• discourage
• afflict
• upset
• ail
• torment
• unsettle
• dishearten
• dash
• perturb
• unnerve
• demoralize
• daunt
• dispirit
• agitate
• discomfort
• undo
• unhinge
• dismay
• exercise
• discompose
• disquiet
• freak (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lighten
• brighten
• rejoice
• assure
• stimulate
• gladden
• enliven
• invigorate
• reassure
• buoy
• animate
• soothe
• excite
• cheer (up)
• inspire
• comfort
• encourage
• console
• please
• lift
• elevate
• gratify
• delight
• uplift
• solace
• elate
• boost
• hearten
• exhilarate

2

as in to throw

to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally

construction workers depressed the roadbed in order to make way for an overpass

Synonyms & Similar Words

• throw
• drop
• lower
• flatten
• throw down
• topple
• floor
• level
• strike down
• sink
• submerge
• fumble
• plop
• immerse
• knock down
• knock over
• plunk down
• bungle
• foozle
• bobble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• raise
• lift
• pick up

3

as in to reduce

to diminish the price or value of

the glut of wheat on the market has depressed that commodity for most of the past year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• lower
• attenuate
• devalue
• sink
• cheapen
• shrink
• devaluate
• depreciate
• downgrade
• write down
• mark down
• write off
• break
• debase
• undervalue
• underestimate
• underrate
• compress
• lessen
• underprice
• deflate
• abridge
• demonetize
• dwindle
• downsize
• moderate
• contract
• de-escalate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enhance
• appreciate
• upgrade
• inflate
• mark up
• increase
• blow up
• overestimate
• add
• extend
• augment
• raise
• expand
• heighten
• maximize
• enlarge
• amplify
• multiply
• swell
• boost
• escalate
• dilate
• bloat
• overrate
• overvalue
• compound
• up
• overprice
• aggrandize
• balloon

4

as in to press

to push steadily against with some force

depressed the lever to start the machine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• press
• shove
• compress
• bear (down on)
• weigh (on or upon)
• compel
• force
• squeeze
• pressure
• punch
• mash
• propel
• muscle
• thrust
• squish
• constrict
• squash
• wring
• lean (on or against)
• squoosh
• condense
• drive
• wedge
• compact
• crush
• stuff
• cram
• jam
• contract
• scrunch
• pack
• jam-pack

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of depress

This risk is increased markedly when buprenorphine is combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system, particularly alcohol, benzodiazepines, and certain sedating medications. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

The housing market has been depressed by high mortgage rates,. — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Taxes can’t go up forever without wrecking economic growth, which would depress revenue along with household incomes. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026

The knob twists and depresses like a button (with programmable options for both a short and long press). — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026