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

The future of Indian democracy hinges on whether this contest opens up more democratic space or leads to greater repression. — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

To play Sebastian, Guitarrica had to immerse himself in the character’s emotional repression, from which music is his only escape. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Blending psychological drama with raw folk horror steeped in the West Slavic mythology of Kashubia, Òpi explores violence, repression and the horrors inherited from one generation to the next. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

The networks were responding in solidarity to repression of a free press. — Miriam Waldvogel, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026