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
Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
The arrest of Maduro, while a monumental relief for the long-oppressed and abused Venezuelan populace, was incidental.
—Anthony Dominguez, Sun Sentinel, 5 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
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
The arrest of Maduro, while a monumental relief for the long-oppressed and abused Venezuelan populace, was incidental.
—Anthony Dominguez, Sun Sentinel, 5 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
-
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
-
These Bruins overwhelmed the Hawkeyes by displaying every necessary strength required to take the final step and finish the job next month in Phoenix.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Just don’t get overwhelmed by any powerful emotions!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
-
Esdaile said he was troubled by the two incidents that involved a mental health crisis.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The world has just lost an enormous beam of light, and we are devastated.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Tens of thousands of giant sequoia seedlings and saplings are sprouting in a Sierra Nevada grove devastated by the 2021 KNP Complex fire.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His fourth attempt was foiled when he was arrested at the airport and detained and tortured for several months.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
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The former soldier also said Haitian police mentally and physically tortured the Colombian suspects after they were taken into custody.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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To win, Bhatia overcame swirling emotions to summon the best golf of his young career to apply pressure on Berger, who finally cracked down the stretch and opened the door.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
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Aaron Gordon overcame his first obstacle by getting back on the court.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
More pollution means more asthma attacks, heart disease, and premature deaths, especially in communities already burdened by poor air quality.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
9 Mar. 2026
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Whatever its advantages as a place to get free babysitting, Michigan is also a good place to position oneself for a presidential run, if your résumé is otherwise burdened with places like Harvard and Oxford.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The regime had already crushed the movement in January, detaining and killing thousands.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
10 Mar. 2026
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With Puerto Rico also 2-0 and looking to maintain momentum after Darell Hernaiz crushed a 10th-inning, walk-off homer against Panama on Saturday, Rodríguez is set to live out a childhood dream in his own backyard.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oppressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppressed. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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