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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of repress
His arrest came during a yearslong crackdown on civil society and dissent, which began following mass protests in 2018 that the government violently repressed.
—
ABC News,
8 June 2026
In Montecito, closet-envy is one of many examples of Deborah’s competitive nature, which the character is unable to repress while trying to scam fellow comedian, Cherry Kilpatrick.
—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Either way, something is repressed in Eleanor that is not with Theodora.
—
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
Don’t repress your thoughts, but don’t react just to prove a point either.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repress
ABC News,
8 June 2026
In Montecito, closet-envy is one of many examples of Deborah’s competitive nature, which the character is unable to repress while trying to scam fellow comedian, Cherry Kilpatrick.
—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Either way, something is repressed in Eleanor that is not with Theodora.
—
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
Don’t repress your thoughts, but don’t react just to prove a point either.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
Verb
-
Things like trying to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney's Office, trying to get some of the evidence suppressed, trying to get a contempt order because the prosecutors violated the court's gag order.
-
One key group that appeared to be suppressed, Prevotella species, may interfere with the production of nitric oxide.
Verb
-
The governor has raised concerns that the tax would drive the state’s wealthiest residents out of California, doing long-term damage to the state’s tax base and stifling innovation.
-
After feeling stifled in the corporate world, Gaudin said Inches has given him the freedom to embrace his creativity and show other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs that ownership is possible.
Verb
-
Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
-
For those who are worried, this might help to quell fears.
Verb
-
The product, used to manage swallowing difficulties, might cause NEC, the FDA said.
-
Selling now and realizing a 40% loss is a difficult pill to swallow.
Verb
-
Upon their return, most ended up in countries that were invaded and subdued by the German army.
-
Over a decade, more than 1,000 people have died across the country after police subdued them through means not intended to be lethal, such as physical holds, Tasers and body blows, an investigation led by The Associated Press found.
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
