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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of repress
He is known for his unwavering loyalty to the regime and his central role in repressing dissent.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Saddam brutally repressed them using helicopter gunships as American forces next door in the Gulf stood by, only later establishing no-fly zones to protect these vulnerable populations from additional attacks.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
The war ended through peace accords that included a fundamental component: that all police should be civil, not military like the ones that were sent to repress peaceful protests on May 12.
—Nelson Mauricio Rauda Zablah, Christian Science Monitor, 6 June 2025
President Xi and the Chinese government brutally repress free expression and commit countless human rights violations.
—Jovante Teague, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for repress
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Saddam brutally repressed them using helicopter gunships as American forces next door in the Gulf stood by, only later establishing no-fly zones to protect these vulnerable populations from additional attacks.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
The war ended through peace accords that included a fundamental component: that all police should be civil, not military like the ones that were sent to repress peaceful protests on May 12.
—Nelson Mauricio Rauda Zablah, Christian Science Monitor, 6 June 2025
President Xi and the Chinese government brutally repress free expression and commit countless human rights violations.
—Jovante Teague, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
Verb
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That same resolution created Palestine, which Israel has refused to recognize and has fought to suppress ever since.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
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The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed their operations, bringing the fire under control in under 30 minutes, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Verb
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While luck will favor some and stifle others, here are a few tips on how join the first group: Be Loyal: Elite status with an airline can work wonders.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar.—
Mike Dunleavy,
New York Daily News,
14 July 2025
Verb
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After years of smoking to help quell her anxiety, Tish found that the drug only made things worse.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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Don’t have a problem using the National Guard to quell rioting in Los Angeles, your anti-democracy.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
3 July 2025
Verb
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If contaminated floodwater is swallowed, or pollutes drinking water, this can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.—
ByMary Kekatos,
ABC News,
11 July 2025
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Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.—
Matt Cannon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Verb
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But Vásquez Lasso’s partner that day, Officer Miguel Enciso, instead used his Taser to subdue Steven Montano, 21, who is charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the March 1, 2023, slaying.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
16 July 2025
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The overall inflation rate in the Bay Area has remained subdued in recent months.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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