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

Later in the month, tension around work health or availability is top of mind, while hidden feelings become more difficult to repress. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Normally, this modifier gene suppresses the creation of a second kind of hemoglobin, typically made only during fetal development; repressing the gene prompts cells to start making the fetal form of hemoglobin again, which acts as a backup. — Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

They’re infuriated with a military that turned out to repress civilian protests in recent years, but appeared slow to mobilize in support of earthquake victims this week. — Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2026

Typically, ghosts show up in literature when something that has been repressed escapes and becomes everyone’s problem. — Sarah Schulman, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026