oppressed 1 of 2

as in persecuted
suffering grave abuse or injustice at the hands of one in authority setting out on a quixotic quest to right wrongs and to raise up the oppressed peoples of the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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oppressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of oppress

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 oppressed
Adjective
Serkis keeps the spine of Orwell’s novella, about a group of oppressed farm animals who rebel against their human oppressors, only to repeat the humans’ mistakes, but his version takes a few liberties. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 The first Gulf War liberated an oppressed population. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025 Kid is a member of an oppressed race who was driven to terrorism by the acts of the corporation that destroyed his home planet and vilified his race. Ryan Woodrow, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025 Atwood’s novel allows readers to map June’s hardship onto virtually any era in which women feel oppressed (which, horrifically, is every era in American history). Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oppressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressed
Verb
  • Houston has athletic size, and that has overwhelmed the Clippers in previous matchups.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Even with her job as a server at Applebee’s, she was overwhelmed by the city’s punishing disparity.
    Jeff Hobbs, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While Walking to School Bus Stop Jordan’s dad, who wasn’t in the vehicle, is devastated.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Lewis witnessed school closures that critics said devastated the South and West sides.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Just three years ago, Bryant was what city planners call energy-burdened.
    Marina Lopes, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
  • The films were burdened from the start by the impossible task of adding depth to a character whose entire personality amounted to his ability to run really, really fast.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Very surprised and very saddened.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The business community is also bracing for potential impacts, with some worried that the new tolls could discourage shoppers and visitors, potentially leading to reduced foot traffic and sales in the affected areas.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Overall, the stock market had a strong 2024, even as Americans worried about the economy.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 5 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oppressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppressed. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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