Synonyms of oppressively

oppressively

adverb

as in harshly

in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering

forced to live under an oppressively cruel government

Synonyms & Similar Words

• harshly
• severely
• brutally
• hard
• sternly
• ill
• stiffly
• roughly
• abusively
• tyrannically
• aggressively
• strongly
• inhumanly
• ruthlessly
• pitilessly
• hardly
• mercilessly
• grimly
• inhumanely
• unmercifully
• heartlessly
• obdurately
• viciously
• savagely
• unsparingly
• insensitively
• unfeelingly
• firmly
• callously
• brutishly
• uncharitably
• decidedly
• determinedly
• resolutely
• cold-bloodedly
• insensately
• toughly
• assertively
• gruffly
• hard-heartedly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lightly
• mildly
• gently
• softly
• leniently
• benevolently
• lovingly
• kindly
• tenderly
• graciously
• cordially
• considerately
• mercifully
• sympathetically
• clemently
• compassionately
• benignantly
• humanely
• charitably
• tolerantly
• understandingly
• softheartedly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of oppressively

The legislative push, first reported by The New York Times, aims to show a united Democratic caucus taking quick action on the issues they were elected to solve, especially oppressively high costs on everything from gas to groceries. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

The summer had seen Europe endure an oppressively dry, hot summer, which had seen wildfires spring up across the continent. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026

After a bit of a reprieve from an oppressively hot summer, another heat wave is set to scorch Southern California this week. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Survey respondents said their dwellings stayed oppressively hot even at night because overcrowding and poor construction trapped the heat. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Jackie searches for Madi, wondering if her sister is a victim or a killer while maneuvering an oppressively demanding office and reflecting on her own previous crimes. — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

The oppressively hot and steamy weather was no deterrent for the crowds that lined up along Crandon Boulevard on Saturday to celebrate America’s independence at Key Biscayne’s 67th Fourth of July parade. — Pedro Portal, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026

Fortunately, this spell of hot temps will be a generally drier heat — not necessarily oppressively humid like is typical for New England. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026

The first of the four chapters is an oppressively gray-toned, narratively diffuse spy thriller, set amid the mists of what appears to be the Second World War. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2025