DEPRIVATION Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

deprivation

noun

ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən

Definition of deprivation

as in lack

the state of being robbed of something normally enjoyed the concern of some that there has been a deprivation of rights since the passing of laws to combat the threat of terrorism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 deprivation The rare mental illness is linked to stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes following childbirth. — Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Reddington asked, referring to sleep-deprivation as a form of torture. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Crucially, Brenners isn’t some communal-dining deprivation retreat. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 Some research suggests sleep deprivation can alter metabolism and decrease BMR. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deprivation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deprivation

Noun

The loan was cut short that January due to the lack of match minutes.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The sleek, gold-colored coupé impressed with a futuristic design, but baffled onlookers with its cramped two-seat interior, lack of a charging port, and a dubious, far-too-good-to-be-true $30,000 price tag.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of lack

Noun

Across a run of six defeats in seven matches, which left his tenure hanging by a thread, the Forest and Brighton losses were the worst.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of loss

Noun

Though each of the Ghetto’s three areas (the Ghetto Nuovo, the Ghetto Vecchio, and the Ghetto Nuovissimo) retained its own, distinct character until remarkably late, it was always cramped, unsanitary, and marred by privation.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
These adjustments add to the fact that while blockades can impose privation, modern governments and their nationalist populations can accept a lot of suffering before considering major political concessions.

— Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of privation

Browse Nearby Words

depressive

deprivation

deprivations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deprivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deprivation. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of deprivation

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hobnob

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes