as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
suffered a lingering oppression in the weeks after his dog died
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 oppression
More successful is the overall atmosphere of the workers’ camp and farm, conveying a sense of oppression even without visible fencing.
—
Jay Weissberg, Variety, 19 May 2026
Even bound by the rigid social confines of his period setting, Stappard understands that a modern horror movie cannot meaningfully interrogate historic oppression while forcing an underrepresented hero into an unworthy box.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
The 54-year-old was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her advocacy for human rights and freedom for all.
—Connor Greene, Time, 8 May 2026
Her research aims to examine whether and how spirituality can endure as a form of cultural resilience even in systems permeated by market dynamics, injustice and oppression.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Jay Weissberg, Variety, 19 May 2026
Even bound by the rigid social confines of his period setting, Stappard understands that a modern horror movie cannot meaningfully interrogate historic oppression while forcing an underrepresented hero into an unworthy box.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
The 54-year-old was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her advocacy for human rights and freedom for all.
—Connor Greene, Time, 8 May 2026
Her research aims to examine whether and how spirituality can endure as a form of cultural resilience even in systems permeated by market dynamics, injustice and oppression.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppression
Noun
-
The news of his death was met with shock and sadness from fans, players and fellow broadcasters around the NBA.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
But sadness also, along with regret, surrounding Arguijo-Mejia.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Most of the everyday usage of popular LLMs to get mental health advice usually involves people with relatively common cognitive issues, such as depression, anxiety, and the like.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Her group provides services through Zoom and Google Meet to more than 7,000 adults and children coping with stressors such as cancer and chronic pain, as well as with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.—
Holly Dagres,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Absent the lush melancholy of classic synth-pop, what Hervé and Amato had in common with their forbears was a spirit of innovation rooted in profound laziness.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
23 May 2026
-
While the actors are committed, poignant and warm, their upbeat tone doesn’t always blend well with the melancholy of the picture.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Amidst the sorrow of the past eight years, Ronnie and Lydia vowed to never stop searching for their granddaughter.—
James C Ramos,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
-
Officials have shared their sorrow and paid tribute to the victims of the accident.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Lost in the Brazilian tears, anguish and confusion was just how clinical the Germans had been.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
-
Bardem is captivating and formidable, grinning with maniacal glee at his every act of depravity and the fear and anguish of his victims.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppression. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
