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

That's also depressing consumer sentiment and squeezing people coping with higher prices, according to economists. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Hall-effect switches come in 3-pin or 5-pin varieties, and the polarity of the switch’s magnet must be compatible with the PCB’s sensors, or depressing the switch may not trigger the sensor beneath it. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026

Political polarization certainly plays a role in depressing sales, as does inadequate charging infrastructure. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026

Ken Urker, the partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, made comments about being depressed before being found dead in his Louisiana home from an apparent drug overdose, authorities said. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026