as in muted
not excessively showy
a 19th-century church in the repressed style favored by the strict religious sect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in suppressed
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
quickly repressed the rebellion in the provincial city and restored order
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stifled
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
you can't repress your feelings forever, so tell her how you feel about her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repressed
Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025
Along with formidable descriptions of cyberspaces, the novel also explores the ever-shifting relationship between Girlie and her new boss, William—two equally repressed people who feel drawn to each other.
—The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
This Committee was initially created during the McCarthy Era, a dark time when the federal government repressed and persecuted American citizens for their political beliefs.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repressed
Adjective
Pain is often a symptom of repressed rage, Amen said, citing rehabilitation physician and chronic pain author John Sarno.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025
Along with formidable descriptions of cyberspaces, the novel also explores the ever-shifting relationship between Girlie and her new boss, William—two equally repressed people who feel drawn to each other.
—The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Verb
Perceptive politicians understand that a rising opposition force that aims to replace the entire system has to be co-opted, not simply repressed.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
This Committee was initially created during the McCarthy Era, a dark time when the federal government repressed and persecuted American citizens for their political beliefs.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repressed
Adjective
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That snare sound is as instantly identifiable as Miles Davis’s muted horn or Eddie Van Halen’s pyrotechnic neck tapping.—
John Lingan,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
-
With an understated mix of blue and yellow tones that provide warmth but still feel muted.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The fresh evidence of how internal dissent was suppressed for the sake of diplomatic relationships exposes a broader crisis of impunity for crimes committed against journalists, and the failure of states to hold other states accountable.—
Scott Griffen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
This may have resulted in cooling that had until now suppressed the sublimation of water ice to steam.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But lately teams have stacked the box and stifled the run against Carolina.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The deal was completed as the Bay Area hotel market battles against a wave of loan defaults, plunging prices and property foreclosures that have stifled purchasing activity and new development.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Flanagan stars as Betty, a proud but emotionally restrained mother struggling with her daughter’s return, while Crowley plays Áine’s father Seamus.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
2 Jan. 2026
-
The year 2025 saw high levels of deadly violence around the world, as conflicts grew less restrained, with civilians increasingly victims of attacks by governments and non-state actors alike, according to monitoring data.—
Susannah George,
Washington Post,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But Trump’s usual tactics haven’t quelled GOP dissent.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
19 Dec. 2025
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Talk of a bubble in artificial intelligence has not been quelled despite Nvidia delivering yet another blockbuster quarter in November.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
26 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The most famous, perhaps, was of lung cancer patient David Prueitt, who swallowed a supposedly lethal dose of medication and awoke three days later.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
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Developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the pill can report when it has been swallowed.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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More subdued is the second iteration, which features a white base with cream overlays.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
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For the best mood-boosting environment, Wadden suggests balancing the brighter color with more subdued neutrals.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The lightweight fabric is also quiet, so you won’t be awoken from crinkling material.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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The family settled in a quiet residential street of older homes and multifamily buildings, some front porches festooned with pride flags still twinkling with holiday lights.—
Michael Biesecker,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repressed. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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