REPRESSED Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

repressed 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈprest

Definition of repressed

as in muted

not excessively showy a 19th-century church in the repressed style favored by the strict religious sect

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of repress

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 repressed

Adjective

The second, now promoted by a zillion MAGA podcasts, is a postapocalyptic hellscape of sclerotic socialism, repressed speech, and rampaging Muslims. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026 The film is said to follow a repressed philosophy professor who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Verb

Typically, ghosts show up in literature when something that has been repressed escapes and becomes everyone’s problem. — Sarah Schulman, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026 While dealing with the sexist discrimination the regime enforces, Panahi still makes space for lighthearted moments when the women’s joy, even from a distance, can’t be repressed. — Carlos Aguilar, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for repressed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for repressed

Adjective

Overnight, the British market's reaction to Keir Starmer's resignation remained relatively muted.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette includes shades inspired by nature—from sandy beaches to golden autumn leaves.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of muted

Verb

When women tried to march for their rights, they were violently suppressed, and by 2023, nearly all those in Afghan jails were political prisoners, and many were tortured.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
Hong Kong's independent bookstores, many of them tucked away from busy streets inside buildings, have long offered a refuge and a window to a freer world for some mainland Chinese readers seeking ideas suppressed at home.

— KANIS LEUNG, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of suppressed

Verb

Bradman was the top run scorer for Australia but had only one century in the series, suggesting his threat had been quelled.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
Coach Regis Le Bris appears to have quelled that for this summer, citing a lack of other striking options beyond Brian Brobbey in a season where his side have European football to contend with on top of domestic matters.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of quelled

Verb

Videos of the disaster showed people running before the floodwaters swallowed them up and washed out buildings and bridges.

— Shristi Kafle, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
In Tibet, the roaring mudslide that struck Wednesday engulfed a multistory port building and swallowed a bus parking lot at the land border crossing of Gyirong Port.

— Niranjan Shrestha, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of swallowed

Adjective

On the other hand, this education leads some to overdress—that hyper-graphic maxi dress paired with a neon pink beret is going to clash with the more subdued, elegant looks that stylish Parisians tend to sport.

— Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026
Storms can still find windows of opportunity to form and become a threat, even in an overall subdued season.

— Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of subdued

Adjective

Staying upstairs is the quiet advantage with no lines, just an elevator ride to a nightcap under all that light.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Margot has left her field, and has moved to Hungary with her equestrian husband Sam (Rupert Friend), an uprooting that manifests as quiet disconnects between them.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of quiet

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

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Synonyms of repressed

adjective

verb

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