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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of repress
Few would lament the end of the country’s current government, especially those who have been repressed by it for 40 years.
—
Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is expected to end four years of tight regulatory oversight (if not overreach, by some critics’ assessments), setting free the animal spirits repressed amid post-Peak Streaming pullbacks, strikes and other complications.
—David Bloom, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Trump has spoken repeatedly of his plans to use the American military domestically: for policing the border, deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, repressing protests.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2024
Tim starts out middle class, conservative, repressed in his sexuality, and his habit of drinking milk represents those values, Nyswaner says.
—Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for repress 
Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is expected to end four years of tight regulatory oversight (if not overreach, by some critics’ assessments), setting free the animal spirits repressed amid post-Peak Streaming pullbacks, strikes and other complications.
—David Bloom, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Trump has spoken repeatedly of his plans to use the American military domestically: for policing the border, deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, repressing protests.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2024
Tim starts out middle class, conservative, repressed in his sexuality, and his habit of drinking milk represents those values, Nyswaner says.
—Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
Verb
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We’ve been conditioned to lead like men, to suppress our intuition, our empathy, and our softness.—
Dr. Brittany Chambers,
Forbes,
7 Feb. 2025
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The censors suppressed or bowdlerized countless works of genius.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In the 81st minute, Chelsea picked their way through Brighton’s stifling high press.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
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Critics argue this is used to stifle criticism of Israeli policies.—
The Editors of ARTnews,
ARTnews.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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It's even recently been associated with quelling aggression.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Feb. 2025
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Stocks bounced back a bit around mid-week after Microsoft and Facebook parent Meta reiterated their AI spending goals, quelling fears companies would pull back AI dollars.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Esophageal dilation: Strictures, or narrowing of the esophagus, can make swallowing difficult.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
6 Feb. 2025
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Over time, someone with ALS loses the ability to walk, chew, swallow food and breathe, according to WebMD.—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Harissa, a hot chili pepper paste, is subdued by a zesty orange flavor.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2025
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Swift subdued Beauty brands aren’t making as many appearances at this year’s Super Bowl, despite Taylor Swift likely making another appearance to support her boyfriend, Chiefs player Travis Kelce.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near repress
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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