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
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
Trump is openly envious of oil-rich Gulf States and the leaders who luxuriate in opulent grandeur, while free to repress anyone in their countries who complains about all that.
—Chris Brennan, USA Today, 16 May 2025
The Soviet Union pressed outward too—arming insurgencies across the developing world, repressing reform movements in Eastern Europe with tanks, and placing nuclear missiles in Cuba.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repress
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
Trump is openly envious of oil-rich Gulf States and the leaders who luxuriate in opulent grandeur, while free to repress anyone in their countries who complains about all that.
—Chris Brennan, USA Today, 16 May 2025
The Soviet Union pressed outward too—arming insurgencies across the developing world, repressing reform movements in Eastern Europe with tanks, and placing nuclear missiles in Cuba.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
Verb
-
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
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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
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
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The community town hall did little to quell resident's concerns.—
David Ferrara,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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In 2022, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida discovered a 115-pound python in the process of swallowing a 77-pound deer, which amounted to 66.9% of the snake’s body mass, officials said.—
Mark Price
July 11,
Miami Herald,
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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Nimmo’s celebration upon hitting the grand slam was subdued.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
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This season blended bold designs, subdued silhouettes and interesting footwear to tell us one thing: menswear is slowly but surely becoming on-par with its female counterpart.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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