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

The government accountability group then stepped in seeking to preserve the public’s right to challenge any motion to repress or expunge the report. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Rooted in opposition to the oppression and discrimination of women in Iran, the movement also seeks freedom for all Iranians systemically repressed by the Islamic government. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 16 Sep. 2026

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