as in harsh
difficult to endure
an oppressive regime that rules through terror
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oppressive
Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research NO: Numerous major firms leave California because of the state’s oppressive regulations, taxes and operating costs.
—
Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
April brings sunshine and warm waters without the oppressive heat of summer or the high-season crowds of winter.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2025
Some protesters were taken out by medics, the oppressive April heat beating them down.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Chicago sweltered through the sixth hottest June on record, according to the National Weather Service, and the oppressive heat and humidity have kept air conditioners running overtime in July as well.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppressive
Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
April brings sunshine and warm waters without the oppressive heat of summer or the high-season crowds of winter.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2025
Some protesters were taken out by medics, the oppressive April heat beating them down.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Chicago sweltered through the sixth hottest June on record, according to the National Weather Service, and the oppressive heat and humidity have kept air conditioners running overtime in July as well.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive
Adjective
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The former Calle 13 member impresses her sensitivity to this piece, originally written by Orlando Brito and popularized in 1975 by the great Héctor Lavoe, giving it new life with her powerful, dramatic voice, accompanied by street guitars and harsh, aggressive chords that captivate the listener.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
15 Aug. 2025
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While the comparison of slave babies being taken from their mommas, and immigrant children being separated from their parents might seem a bit harsh to some, the pain is the same.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The course is a brutal, out-and-back journey of 100 miles through Colorado’s rugged high country, demanding over 15,000 feet of climbing.—
Jenn Nelson,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Launch control is a wild ride, equal parts fun and brutal, as all that boost sends the V-6 screaming.—
Jonny Lieberman,
Robb Report,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike Trump, they aren’t charmed by the Kremlin’s tough guy.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
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Yermak’s been a pivotal conduit for Ukraine in negotiating with the U.S. and its European allies, particularly in pushing for tougher sanctions on Russia.—
Chris Massaro,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The pans have spacious surface areas for better searing and browning, and the cooking surface isn’t particularly sticky either.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 July 2025
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About a dozen have visited or have plans to make stops in the early primary states, such as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, 60, who in April caught attention for delivering a searing speech in New Hampshire aimed at 'do-nothing' Democrats.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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When severe gerrymandering occurs, the consequences are usually limited to the residents of that state.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Aug. 2025
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Dishman rushed outside to find a tree had fallen on his house during strong winds from Saturday night's severe thunderstorms that hit northern Indianapolis and Hamilton County.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As Wallace and Gromit investigate this mysterious thief, their paths cross with the cruel, trigger-happy Lord Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes), who has his own ambitions for the competition and Wallace’s love interest, Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Carter).—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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Auggie isn’t a cruel, withholding bigot, but a stable and loving parent.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.—
Alia Wong,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2023
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Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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The Jayhawks’ offense should play a pivotal role in ensuring KU comes out on top. Prediction: Kansas (3-1) Game 5: KU vs. Cincinnati Cincinnati looks to get back on track after a rough first two seasons in the Big 12.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
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Stepping into the role played by Damon in the film, British actor Milo Callaghan is Rudy Baylor, who has overcome a rough childhood and family tragedy to graduate at the top of his law school class.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oppressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppressive. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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