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
Relevance
1
as in depressed
to make sad
this gloomy weather is oppressing all of us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overwhelmed
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
a film about a man who is haunted and oppressed by the secrets of his past
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oppressed
Laura E. Alexander, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
Any oppressed people find outlets in humor.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026
With many people around the world fighting for their freedom, Dallas’ historical cemetery stands as an example of how a group of people who were historically oppressed and enslaved could become free and prosperous.
—Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppressed
Adjective
Ethics of risk There are many examples of Christian leaders who have taken on risks out of a religious and moral obligation to provide spiritual care for people in need or advocate for oppressed communities.
—Laura E. Alexander, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
Any oppressed people find outlets in humor.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
She was oppressed by his big shadow.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026
With many people around the world fighting for their freedom, Dallas’ historical cemetery stands as an example of how a group of people who were historically oppressed and enslaved could become free and prosperous.
—Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressed
Verb
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The machine worked by reading music that was encoded by holes punched into rolls of paper, which in turn directed airflows to levers that depressed piano keys.—
Adam Ozimek,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2026
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Democrats who still believe in the New Deal-era promise of government helping the public are a bit depressed by the idea that the solution to their party’s problems is generating less money for that purpose.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Adapted from a Japanese novel, the unusual story revolves around a spirit responsible for guiding transient souls to their next reincarnation, who embarks on a perilous mission with a young girl to prevent her being overwhelmed by her anger and transforming into a monster.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2026
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The Avs overwhelmed the Blackhawks at United Center.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After Daniil Medvedev’s comprehensive and belatedly controversial win over Jack Draper in their quarterfinal, Carlos Alcaraz came out to face Cameron Norrie, one of the few players outside of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic who has troubled him the past few years.—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Each of the founders has been troubled with different sets of problems with their respective skin care expectations.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Fears are growing in the country, already devastated by years of conflict, that Israel may be about to launch a broad invasion of Lebanon's south.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
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Longtime Joliet resident Kathleen Garthus said other development in the city has left her homeless, and she's devastated to see the pattern continue.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Other leaders were tortured, and a couple sent to prison.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Mar. 2026
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Malek refused Alsheikh’s demand to poison the prominent political figure, leading to him being placed in Wing 13, a notorious part of the prison where people were tortured.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Florida overcame a 10-point first-half deficit and dug out of a 12-point hole after intermission on Sunday, but could not close out the Hawkeyes, who will face Nebraska on Thursday in Houston.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
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The Aztecs overcame McNeese’s pressure defense with some long-range shots and were perfect from the foul line for a second straight game at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion to defeat the Cowgirls 56-41 and land a spot in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament quarterfinals.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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So far, officials have not said whether air traffic control staffing played a role in the collision, but short staffing is an issue that has burdened the Federal Aviation Administration for years.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
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Meanwhile, survivors who were homeless, unbanked, or too burdened by compounding challenges like disabilities or caregiving roles to apply for multiple types of assistance were falling through the cracks of public and private disaster programs, Huguenin said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries can ignite when crushed or punctured inside collection trucks, which can ignite sparks and fire, potentially destroying the truck, never mind jeopardizing the safety of the driver.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
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The pilot and copilot were killed in the collision late last night, which crushed the nose of the aircraft, while around 40 passengers and crew members were taken to area hospitals, some with serious injuries.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oppressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppressed. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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