as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
suffered a lingering oppression in the weeks after his dog died
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Recent Examples of oppression
Over the years, the necktie has come to symbolize success, sophistication and status, but has also been criticized by some as a symbol of power, control and oppression.
—
Kristina Kukolja, NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
Because its primary sections on the oppression and violence that Black people were subjected to during the Middle Passage, slavery, and Jim Crow are below the museum’s street-level entrance—while the culture exhibits are upstairs—the history exhibitions are effectively optional for visitors.
—Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026
The ceremony was opened by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who spoke about the terrible bloodshed and oppression in his homeland, and the importance of speaking out.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 17 Jan. 2026
His guerilla filmography is both a thrilling exploration of cinema’s elasticity and an essential document on crafting personal freedoms in the face of oppression.
—Thomas Page, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Kristina Kukolja, NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
Because its primary sections on the oppression and violence that Black people were subjected to during the Middle Passage, slavery, and Jim Crow are below the museum’s street-level entrance—while the culture exhibits are upstairs—the history exhibitions are effectively optional for visitors.
—Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026
The ceremony was opened by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who spoke about the terrible bloodshed and oppression in his homeland, and the importance of speaking out.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 17 Jan. 2026
His guerilla filmography is both a thrilling exploration of cinema’s elasticity and an essential document on crafting personal freedoms in the face of oppression.
—Thomas Page, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppression
Noun
-
Across countries, sadness, anger, loneliness and despair are at the highest levels recorded in decades.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The mood in the crowd was widespread anger and sadness — recalling the same outpouring of wrath and grief that shook the city after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police in 2020, although without the widespread violent protests then.—
Jack Brook,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And while medications and therapy are important tools, Fabiano says exercise is recognized as a preferred treatment for depression.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The country legend struggled with her mental health and suffered from suicidal depression.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At some point this winter — maybe a few days, maybe a few weeks — melancholy will fade and Hurricanes fans will be able to appreciate all that was accomplished during a season when UM got back its good name and returned to prominence.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Neither a square nor prime number, 2026 is still intriguing Number enthusiasts may be looking to the new year with a touch of melancholy.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Inevitably, Big Ant soon comes crashing back down to Earth and the swirl of anger and sorrow that await him there; inevitably, Lil Ant and Lozita are forced to face his unhappiness, and figure out how to react.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
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Saturn leaving Pisces on February 13 lifts the heavy blanket of sorrow and exhaustion that’s been dampening your life force for the last three years, freeing you to unthaw a bit from the winter of your discontent.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
However, the announcement has not dispelled the uncertainty or anguish among detainees’ families.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Nacua lay on the turf at Bank of America Stadium, not in physical pain but instead in mental anguish.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppression. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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