repress

verb

ri-ˈpres How to pronounce repress (audio)
Definition of repressnext
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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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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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 repress The government accountability group then stepped in seeking to preserve the public’s right to challenge any motion to repress or expunge the report. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 Rooted in opposition to the oppression and discrimination of women in Iran, the movement also seeks freedom for all Iranians systemically repressed by the Islamic government. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 16 Sep. 2026 Season 3 sees Gordon and Ashley once again reexamining their relationship, now with the wearied caution of a couple who’ve hurt each other — and the reckless affection that can’t be repressed without losing a crucial part of your soul. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 Tottenham, repressed for so long in their spending and ambition, are suddenly flashing the cash like a slot machine, dropping £237million ($324m) already. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repress
  1. suppress
  2. stifle
  3. quell
  4. swallow
  5. subdue
Verb
  • Optional filters can be slotted in each module (when available) to suppress city lighting, adjust for solar imagery, and cater for different wavelengths.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But Uthmeier contends an overly broad reading of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause has been twisted into a tool to suppress Christians and other believers.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of suppress
Verb
  • Debt acts as a ceiling on private investment, further stifling growth.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The weather served up truly stifling heat, including a stretch of highs in the mid-90s, and a few days of air quality emergency due to wildfire smoke drifting across the upper Midwest.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of stifle
Verb
  • The quiet moments of the offseason were eventually quelled by the madness of a young locker room, on a team replete with potential.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The French government has already promised 3,000 extra teachers in a bid to quell the unrest.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of quell
Verb
  • Before he was swallowed by one in Whalefall, Austin Abrams flew to Dominica to see a sperm whale up close.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026
  • However, Penn State's attempt at an onside kick was swallowed up by the Wolverines, and that was it.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of swallow
Verb
  • Two nurses helped subdue the actress, who was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The interplay between the vocal harmonies phasing from side to side is clear, though the upper melody sounds subdued during the track's busier sections.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdue

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represents
repress
repressed
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Cite this Entry

“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repress. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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