oppression

noun

ə-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce oppression (audio)
Definition of oppressionnext
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits suffered a lingering oppression in the weeks after his dog died

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 oppression As the activist Assata Olugbala Shakur remarks, the chains of oppression can be broken with love, support, and care, and the Black radical imagination cannot be quelled even when our lives are on the line. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel, the seven-season series shares an authentic and intimate look at Jesus’ revolutionary life and teachings. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 July 2026 One of her favorite songs was about trans identity and oppression. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 July 2026 The Oscar nominee stars as Wat Tyler, an ordinary peasant who steps up to lead an extraordinary fight against King Richard II after crushing taxes and political oppression push the country’s working class to a breaking point. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for oppression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppression
  1. sadness
  2. depression
  3. melancholy
  4. sorrow
  5. anguish
  6. mournfulness
Noun
  • Her sadness and traumatic experiences, such as the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller in 2018, have become intertwined with her career.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026
  • Compared to individual contributors, leaders were substantially more likely–by seven percentage points–to report experiencing a lot of stress, anger (+12 points), sadness (+11 points) and loneliness (+10 points) the previous day.
    — Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • Andrew has also used neuroimaging research projects to study aging and dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And any product promising to treat pain, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal should stop you outright.
    — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of depression
Noun
  • Beneath all the sensuality and beauty, there’s also a lingering melancholy that feels very familiar to me.
    — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 16 June 2026
  • Don Hertzfeldt occasionally comes to mind for a similarly pervasive mood of questioning, philosophical melancholy.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 12 June 2026
Definition of melancholy
Noun
  • Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life.
    — Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • President and prime minister offer condolences Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of sorrow
Noun
  • Paul, as a father of six, was devastated to hear of their anguish.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • Bernstine brings just enough light to her tortured cop, while McNairy brings just enough anguish to his good-hearted caretaker.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 July 2026
Definition of anguish
Noun
  • Power Ballad should be breezy and fun, with that twist of mournfulness that Carney is always so adept at pulling off.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 May 2026
Definition of mournfulness

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Cite this Entry

“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppression. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oppression

Nglish: Translation of oppression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oppression

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