OPPRESSION Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

oppression

noun

ə-ˈpre-shən

Definition of oppression

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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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 oppression Sometimes the oppression is more personal, as in Il Fuoco Che Ti Port Dentro, where Antonio’s larger-than-life mother visits at Christmas and sets off a showdown with her successful son. — David Bloom, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 This book perfectly encapsulates the desire to escape the oppression of being a woman by escaping being a human altogether. — S.m. Hallow, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 That premise creates an obvious opportunity to explore how oppression is normalized differently across communities. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026 The rapper Nicki Minaj, who has recently taken a political turn to the right, testified before the United Nations about the oppression of Christians. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oppression

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppression

Noun

For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
But our frustrations and inconvenience pale in comparison to the sadness of those who knew the deceased or to the trauma the drivers involved experienced.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

Hollows haven’t been found elsewhere on planets in our solar system, and with no wind or water to form the thousands of puzzling depressions, scientists want to know what forces sculpted them.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Symptoms include fever, depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

— Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of depression

Noun

The day ended in that same quad with feelings of sorrow, grief, shock and confusion.

— PJ Green August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Going back to the Mets example, perhaps in an uber-technical sense a Mets’ loss could have marginal economic impact as some fans guzzle more beer to drown away their sorrows.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

For Alex’s family, those seven months have done little to dull the anguish over what happened to him — or their determination to see the two officers who fired the shots held responsible.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Some say there is a fine line between anguish or sadness — and laughter.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of anguish

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oppressing

oppression

oppressive

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“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppression. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of oppression

noun

Example Sentences

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