as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
suffered a lingering oppression in the weeks after his dog died
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Recent Examples of oppression
The episode appeared to be part of a broader recent crackdown, as officials of India’s government used a moment of conflict with its neighbor Pakistan to expand a campaign of oppression against minority Muslims.
—
Suhasini Raj, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Redheads may face teasing—Black people have faced generations of systemic, legalized oppression.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Historically, Black communities have been denied safe conditions to rest due to systemic oppression, chronic stress, and a constant need to overperform just to survive.
—Stephanie Long, Essence, 15 May 2025
When did speaking up against oppression become a crime?
—Adrian Florido, NPR, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Suhasini Raj, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Redheads may face teasing—Black people have faced generations of systemic, legalized oppression.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Historically, Black communities have been denied safe conditions to rest due to systemic oppression, chronic stress, and a constant need to overperform just to survive.
—Stephanie Long, Essence, 15 May 2025
When did speaking up against oppression become a crime?
—Adrian Florido, NPR, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppression
Noun
-
Over time, the nearly circular 75-mile-wide (120 kilometers) depression has been eroded by water and ice, enlarging it to nearly twice its initial size.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
6 June 2025
-
Meanwhile, at the party, Marcus’ drinking is out of control; his depression is getting worse.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
5 June 2025
Noun
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This tale of the power of community spirit in difficult times, interwoven with a fine strand of melancholy, is as disarming and subtly engaging as the director’s unshakeable faith in human decency.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
-
The production gives it a lush feel, but it’s haunted by a certain melancholy.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
The victim’s scream of anguish is captured in the video.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2025
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Rite of Spring is the Pièce de resistance of the exhibition and features a mass of writhing bodies morphing into each other, women giving birth, androgynous figures and figures with expressions of anguish.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppression. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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