as in muted
not excessively showy
a 19th-century church in the repressed style favored by the strict religious sect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in suppressed
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stifled
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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of repressed
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025
Mars retrograde is still in gear until February 23, resulting in repressed sentiments coming out in the open.
—Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The film is filled with intrusive creeping figures, but even more frightening are the repressed memories that flash across Su-mi’s mind, a startling burst of fragments that puncture the film’s sedate rhythm.
—Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025
Certain people like orientalism and seeing women struggling and repressed.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repressed
Adjective
While the theme of grief and the use of genre elements are universal, both of the British collaborators acknowledged the character’s repressed approach to grief was distinctly British, and the appeal of the crow character in helping shake them out of it.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025
Mars retrograde is still in gear until February 23, resulting in repressed sentiments coming out in the open.
—Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The film is filled with intrusive creeping figures, but even more frightening are the repressed memories that flash across Su-mi’s mind, a startling burst of fragments that puncture the film’s sedate rhythm.
—Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025
Certain people like orientalism and seeing women struggling and repressed.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repressed
Adjective
-
Its muted victory comes as Hollywood prepares to celebrate itself at the Oscars on Sunday, bringing an end to one of the most tumultuous awards seasons in recent memory.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2025
-
More:Federal judge blocks Trump’s refugee suspension The muted, business-like atmosphere at the Principles First Summit − a gathering of anti-Trump Republicans, right-leaning independents and disgruntled Democrats - in downtown Washington D.C. matched the lack of political fire power.—
Zac Anderson,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Caspar suppressed his urge to respond.—
Brandon Taylor,
The Atlantic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
Ukrainians are uncovering their country’s culinary history – and how its distinctive features were suppressed by the authorities during Soviet rule.—
Howard LaFranchi,
The Christian Science Monitor,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The duo along with Josh Hart stifled the Thunder, holding them to 8-of-21 shooting in the second quarter.—
James L. Edwards III,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
When his scoring is stifled, Edwards will often lose focus in other areas.—
Jon Krawczynski,
The Athletic,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Though the Franco-American relationship had cooled by then, Trump and Macron shook hands in a somewhat restrained manner. 2024: The Shake Seen Around The World Last December, Trump, Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris ahead of the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The commissioner’s restrained view of the FTC’s mission was inconsistent with Roosevelt’s policy agenda, which was the reason the president gave for dismissing him.—
Jacob Sullum,
Orange County Register,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
From there, though, the Magic closed within 90-80 late in the third period with a 12-0 run that was quelled by a Pelle Larsson three-point play.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Dec. 2024
-
But the speculation in space, nuclear, mobility, and quantum names must be quelled to get a real ending to this.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But when they're swallowed, those beads quickly expand to many times their original size, causing bowel blockages.—
Ryan Murphy,
The Indianapolis Star,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Tiny batteries used to power items like remote controls or small electronic toys are extremely dangerous if swallowed.—
Ryan Murphy,
The Indianapolis Star,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Skewing your green selections toward a more earthy aesthetic will help set a more subdued tone that helps enhance your room’s overall design rather than trying to steal the show.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Last year, Marina traded the glitz and glam of her pop persona for the more subdued reflections of a poet.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
So rather than maintain the quiet, peaceful sleep environment any young child needs, her daughter found her serenity disrupted by the sound of her mom crashing to the floor having tried to sit on a chair that simply wasn't there.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The Holmdel building was the next step, a gleaming, impeccable prism meant to contain thousands of scientists in splendid quiet isolation.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repressed. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share