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 That premise creates an obvious opportunity to explore how oppression is normalized differently across communities. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026 The rapper Nicki Minaj, who has recently taken a political turn to the right, testified before the United Nations about the oppression of Christians. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Few Venezuelans mourn Maduro’s departure after years of oppression and economic collapse. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026 In the trailer, Zelie (Thuso Mbedu) and her older brother, Tzain (Tosin Cole), team up with the king’s daughter, Princess Amari (Amandla Stenberg), and his son, Prince Inan (Damson Idris), to fight against the oppression of their people. — Malik Davis, VIBE.com, 29 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
  • But negative sentiment –— such as expressing frustration or sadness — slightly decreased it.
    — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Some say there is a fine line between anguish or sadness — and laughter.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • Many women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth also develop symptoms of depression.
    — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey accuse Meta of designing the platforms to hook young users, fueling anxiety, depression and even suicide, and misleading consumers about their safety.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 20 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
  • Richards somehow had the fortitude to continue a grueling European tour in the middle of all this chaos and sorrow, but a stadium run through America at the end of the summer was simply too much to ask.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Prescott’s story is both a rallying cry and a tragic narrative full of sorrow.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sorrow
Noun
  • There is no dramatic farewell; instead, the moment is marked by Singer’s silent anguish.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The 62-year-old left a note in a Boeing notebook, describing his mental anguish.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 20 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

oppressing
oppression
oppressive
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Cite this Entry

“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppression. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oppression

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oppression

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