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
The immigration enforcement, the oppression of brown people, these things are happening because of what this country allowed to happen to Native people.
—
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026
Moral outrage at oppression is understandable.
—Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Dark humor expresses an inner refusal to acquiesce in one’s own oppression.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
While many voiced opposition and drew parallels between current conflicts and past wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, others in the crowd marked the Ayatollah's death as a step toward justice and accountability for decades of oppression.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026
Moral outrage at oppression is understandable.
—Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Dark humor expresses an inner refusal to acquiesce in one’s own oppression.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
While many voiced opposition and drew parallels between current conflicts and past wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, others in the crowd marked the Ayatollah's death as a step toward justice and accountability for decades of oppression.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppression
Noun
-
Furthermore, fully remote employees are also more likely to report experiencing anger, sadness and loneliness than hybrid and on-site workers, Gallup said.—
Bob Helbig,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Carefully avoiding quick judgement and slowly uncovering a long history of violence, injustices and destruction, the young filmmaker exposes the deep sadness of a once upon a time joyful and prosperous environment.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
My evident happiness was catching, and my mother, too, was lifted out of her depression.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Katherine was a clinical social worker who specialized in adoption issues, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality, and relationship difficulties.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some acknowledged the possibility that melancholy could be inherited.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Mar. 2026
-
What plucks at the heartstrings with its Herb Alpert studio melancholy sounds a little fried here, the song’s plaintive, tentative charm buried under thrashing improvisation.—
Linnie Greene,
Pitchfork,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tilahun Kebede, president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, expressed his sorrow over the disaster and urged residents to move to higher ground as rains continue.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The series is about the horrific shock of unexpected sorrow, how death can divide families (or bring people together) and how navigating pain can alter perspectives and paths forward.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Every repeat viewing of Abraham's performance reveals some new moment of humiliation — some fresh sickening glimmer of anguish that feels all too familiar.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
-
At the cemetery, drug-war widows unleashed on him the full force of their anger and anguish.—
Sheila Coronel,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppression. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
