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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of repressed
Kennedy French, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
By this time, both Ono and Lennon had found a form of relief in primal scream therapy, the psychological methodology that purports to relieve repressed pain through its intense expression.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 2026
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
And yet football nationalism could not be entirely repressed even there.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repressed
Adjective
And that probably comes from seeing women in my life who have been so repressed that the eyes become their only real means of communication.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
By this time, both Ono and Lennon had found a form of relief in primal scream therapy, the psychological methodology that purports to relieve repressed pain through its intense expression.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
There’s an inherent troublemaking nature to him that can’t be repressed by the big Disney musical.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
And yet football nationalism could not be entirely repressed even there.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repressed
Adjective
-
The château’s striking original facade somehow melds serendipitously with the contemporary interior, which exudes calm thanks to natural stone, fine woods, and muted fabrics throughout.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
For a more elevated take on the duo, Browning suggests a more muted approach.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Earlier, Britain suppressed a communist insurgency in Malaya, today part of Malaysia.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The lawyer noted the statement could be suppressed in court if it was obtained through leading questions, a prolonged interrogation, or coercive tactics.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In response, Varsity and USASF have argued that the Open Championship’s own growth, both in terms of participant numbers and event revenue, undermines the notion that the defendants illegally stifled competition.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Angels’ offense was stifled in a 10-inning, 3-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners during their home opener Friday night in front of 44,931 fans at Angel Stadium.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In contrast, Ionic capitals, which are more restrained, currently grace the columns at the entrance of the White House.—
Kevin D. Murphy,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Some had pushed for a slightly more restrained proposal that would have given Democrats the upper hand in nine of the 11 House seats.—
Russell Berman,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Redick shouted out Bronny James for his efforts against Indiana after the game, lauding his defensive intensity – often being switched onto Pacers All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, and holding his own – along with a late mid-range jumper that quelled concerns of a once-improbable Indiana comeback.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The shooter killed an instructor and wounded two others before the ROTC cadets attacked him and quelled the threat, showing incredible bravery in the face of danger.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Last year, many of her chile plants were swallowed whole when a reservoir nearby (which the farmers use to harvest rainwater) flooded its banks during the monsoons.—
Kamala Thiagarajan,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
-
And the crocodile that swallowed one of his microphones.—
Heather Abbott,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After the vibrant color palette of the 1980s, the 1990s ushered in a more subdued vibe, with dusty mauves, cool teals, and grayish pastels dominating everything from walls to upholstery.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Here, the spa is much smaller and more subdued in design, although the same treatments are offered.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
After a mostly quiet game, Alexander-Walker had a critical steal late as the Hawks completed their stunning rally.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repressed. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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