Definition of oppressivenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective oppressive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oppressive are burdensome, exacting, and onerous. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

When can burdensome be used instead of oppressive?

In some situations, the words burdensome and oppressive are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

When would exacting be a good substitute for oppressive?

While the synonyms exacting and oppressive are close in meaning, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

Where would onerous be a reasonable alternative to oppressive?

The words onerous and oppressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

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 oppressive The oppressive heat and humidity will hover over the Midwest early this week, then move into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by Wednesday. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 To support this approach, the Mandala Healing Center focuses on comfort and privacy rather than creating an overly clinical atmosphere that some clients may find oppressive. Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 Early Monday, the National Weather Service at Peachtree City issued a heat advisory, cautioning that an oppressive combination of heat and humidity will cause afternoon skin temperatures to soar to 105-110 degrees in metro Atlanta. Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 29 June 2026 The democratic socialists have embraced policies that reject free-market economics, advocate enormous expansions of government power and portray capitalism itself as inherently oppressive. Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oppressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive
Adjective
  • Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
  • Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • And Addy, perhaps the most brutal American Girl story, is enslaved.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In January, the government suppressed huge nationwide protests in a brutal crackdown that left thousands dead.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • On Wednesday, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch outlined a slew of challenges facing the city this weekend, including huge Independence Day celebrations, a World Cup match and a searing heat wave.
    Jake Offenhartz, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • What began as searing pain in one of his arms was now a relentless ache in his chest.
    Tara Bannow, STAT, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shortness of breath that becomes severe.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Europe is the planet’s fastest-warming continent and these kinds of extreme heat waves are only expected to become more severe, frequent and prolonged unless humans rapidly phase out fossil fuels, the scientists said.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Swift moved on from one Brit to the next, quietly dating actor Joe Alwyn from 2017 to 2023, while the world spent back-to-back cruel summers without Taymerica.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026
  • This is particularly gratifying given the absurd and cruel trolling the young actress received from the toxic corners of internet fandom leading up to the film’s release.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the days leading up to his show, Chavarria and his team were hard at work in his make-shift studio in the 6th arrondissement.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • Closing a chapter, not the relationships For Sevy, the hardest part is closing this chapter with the people who made the place feel like home.
    Erin Jones, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mariana is not pleased to hear this, and he's got some rough-looking dudes with him.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Dual suspension helps smooth rough trails, hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in changing conditions, and four-inch fat tires improve traction across gravel, dirt, sand, and pavement.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Oppressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppressive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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