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

However, price bulls highlight a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and past IEA surplus forecasts that failed to depress prices. — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

The problem is that too many teachers are failing to motivate students, and the peer effect can go both ways, depressing student achievement in places where ambition isn’t valued. — Mike Goldstein, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026

Problem properties can create economic and fiscal challenges, including depressing neighboring property values, straining fire and police resources and increasing the risk of arson and violent crime. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026

Some experts have raised concerns that media consolidation could depress pay for industry employees, while raising costs for American consumers due to fewer choices. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 15 June 2026