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
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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
He is known for his unwavering loyalty to the regime and his central role in repressing dissent.
—
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Saddam brutally repressed them using helicopter gunships as American forces next door in the Gulf stood by, only later establishing no-fly zones to protect these vulnerable populations from additional attacks.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for repress
Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Saddam brutally repressed them using helicopter gunships as American forces next door in the Gulf stood by, only later establishing no-fly zones to protect these vulnerable populations from additional attacks.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
Verb
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Sandra Lynn Hemme filed the suit Thursday, which accuses investigators of fabricating evidence, coercing a false confession and suppressing evidence that could have proven her innocence.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
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Past research, Jansen notes, has found that cannabis can suppress the immune system through its active compounds: CBD, THC and other minor cannabinoids.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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After years of smoking to help quell her anxiety, Tish found that the drug only made things worse.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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The situation boiled over in Los Angeles in June after the president deployed the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to quell protests calling for abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.—
Alexandria Burris,
IndyStar,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Travelers should also observe strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing and avoiding individuals with symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or fever.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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Most infections occur when people swallow contaminated water or get it in an open wound.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Verb
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But Vásquez Lasso’s partner that day, Officer Miguel Enciso, instead used his Taser to subdue Steven Montano, 21, who is charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the March 1, 2023, slaying.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
16 July 2025
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The overall inflation rate in the Bay Area has remained subdued in recent months.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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