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

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

Catherine is taking her anger out on those who hurt her, while Nora and Alice are both attempting to repress all of their fury. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

Hole’s first three albums—Pretty on the Inside, Live Through This, and Celebrity Skin—are being repressed in various vinyl styles for release on September 18. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026