Synonyms of repression

repression

noun

ri-ˈpre-shən 

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

psychologists talking about the repression of anger and how it affects one's health

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• discipline
• suppression
• inhibition
• composure
• constraint
• self-control
• discretion
• reserve
• refrainment
• self-restraint
• continence
• possession
• control
• self-command
• mastery
• silence
• willpower
• self-discipline
• self-censorship
• will
• distance
• self-government
• aloofness
• self-denial
• reticence
• self-mastery
• shyness
• bashfulness
• self-containment
• command
• modesty
• taciturnity
• self-possession
• detachedness
• self-poise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• gratification
• indulgence
• unconstraint
• frankness
• overindulgence
• candor
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• self-abandonment
• intemperance
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of repression

However, these reports cannot cover every human rights violation that experts know about, especially in countries with low government transparency or high levels of repression. — K. Chad Clay, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Indeed, conflict and calamities are major factors in financial repression. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Numerous other features not in competition include Oscar winner Paul Schrader’s latest directing project, The Basics of Philosophy, exploring his usual concerns of guilt and repression involving older male protagonists. — David Bloom, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Western nations have imposed economic and political sanctions in response to the military takeover and violent repression of opposition, which has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and given rise to a civil war. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026