Synonyms of repress

repress

verb

ri-ˈpres 

1

as in to suppress

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

• suppress
• quell
• subdue
• quash
• stifle
• crush
• squelch
• silence
• destroy
• overcome
• sit on
• extinguish
• crack down (on)
• squash
• snuff (out)
• put down
• clamp down (on)
• slap down
• throttle
• quench
• demolish
• strangle
• obliterate
• smother
• exterminate
• douse
• ruin
• annihilate
• subjugate
• decimate
• dominate
• put out
• wipe out
• desolate
• conquer
• smash
• wreck
• vanquish
• overwhelm
• devastate
• waste
• overpower
• nuke
• rub out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• assist
• aid
• support
• back
• provoke
• stir
• promote
• encourage
• abet
• incite
• cultivate
• prop up
• forward
• foment
• foster
• instigate
• advance
• nurture
• further
• whip (up)
• nourish

2

as in to stifle

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

• stifle
• suppress
• swallow
• smother
• contain
• strangle
• control
• choke (back)
• manage
• hold back
• submerge
• quash
• quell
• govern
• sink
• pocket
• curb
• check
• squelch
• muffle
• bridle
• bottle up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• express
• release
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• loose

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of repress

Season 3 sees Gordon and Ashley once again reexamining their relationship, now with the wearied caution of a couple who’ve hurt each other — and the reckless affection that can’t be repressed without losing a crucial part of your soul. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Tottenham, repressed for so long in their spending and ambition, are suddenly flashing the cash like a slot machine, dropping £237million ($324m) already. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

And Washington’s campaign against terrorism encouraged its allies to embrace intrusive forms of surveillance and repress potential opposition in the name of security. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

The chart surge comes after Bring Me the Horizon’s early catalog was recently repressed and reissued on vinyl as part of the band’s anniversary celebration surrounding two decades of Count Your Blessings. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026