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
Reforms often required strong executive power, largely at the expense of social stability and democratic legitimacy; protests against the IMF’s programs left scores dead as authorities repressed dissent.
—
Sven Van Mourik, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
The chief and others named tried to repress the report — and a judge initially sided with them — but it was eventually released nine months later.
—Lawrence Mower, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
People fed up with rolling blackouts have staged sporadic protests in recent days, banging pots and shouting slogans against the government, rare demonstrations in a country known for repressing dissent.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2026
After surviving a 1981 assassination attempt that paralyzed his right hand, Khamenei served as Iran’s president, brutally repressing dissent.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repress
Sven Van Mourik, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
The chief and others named tried to repress the report — and a judge initially sided with them — but it was eventually released nine months later.
—Lawrence Mower, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
People fed up with rolling blackouts have staged sporadic protests in recent days, banging pots and shouting slogans against the government, rare demonstrations in a country known for repressing dissent.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2026
After surviving a 1981 assassination attempt that paralyzed his right hand, Khamenei served as Iran’s president, brutally repressing dissent.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
Verb
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Fungicides, for instance, are used to suppress disease-causing pathogens like blights and leaf spots, but might also impact beneficial microbes that live in flowers.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
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Researchers from the University of Bristol in England and the University at Buffalo in New York found that people actively trying to suppress food cravings were more likely to spend time watching indulgent food content online — yet ended up eating less of it afterward.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The rest of the film is filled with such stifling cuts, with scenes that dispense information without exploring it.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
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Both are critical of Measure ULA, which has stifled development across the city.—
The Editorial Board,
Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Abreu quelled the inning, however, striking out Dylan Beavers and Coby Mayo swinging at sliders.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
30 Apr. 2026
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Everything is going according to plan so far with the launch of the Democratic Church of America; civil unrest is sure to follow, but the Seven should be able to quell any issues by recalling the supes overseas.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jo-Ellen will still be on this show when the polar ice caps swallow most of the state.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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On petite frames, these hit a little lower on the thigh, nailing this season’s Bermuda shorts trend without swallowing shorter legs.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The celebration from general manager Bill Guerin was rather subdued after the Wild earned a 5-2 win over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night at Grand Casino Arena to advance to the second round for the first time in more than a decade.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
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Responding personnel subdued the knife-wielding man with a taser before the Metropolitan Police could arrive.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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