represses

verb

present tense third-person singular of repress
1
as in suppresses
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 stifles
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 represses Typically, bees stop laying eggs during the winter, or at least slow down activity, which represses mite activity. — Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026 The portrait of a woman who represses and conceals a rape struck a chord as the #MeToo movement took off and put Trobisch on the map. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026 Trying to eliminate one side inevitably represses part of our own nature. — Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026 Violent crime is also common, and the government violently represses journalists and dissidents. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026 That timing hasn’t been lost on the festival’s critics, who say the high-profile American comics are lending legitimacy to a government that represses dissent, jails activists and restricts free speech. — Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 But outside of the ring, Christy hides and represses her lesbianism and winds up marrying her trainer Jim Martin (Ben Foster), who manipulates and physically abuses her. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for represses
  1. suppresses
  2. stifles
  3. quells
  4. subdues
Verb
  • In recent years, the unit has been the target of public scrutiny for their aggressive response and policing of demonstrations, with some critics saying the unit suppresses people’s right to free speech.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Once growth begins there, the process also suppresses additional crystals from forming nearby.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of suppresses
Verb
  • Perhaps her biggest challenge is combating the misconception that cystic fibrosis has been cured, which stifles investment into new treatments.
    — Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Opponents argue the proposal weakens environmental protections, stifles community input and could fast-track projects like data centers and freeways.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of stifles
Verb
  • So playing Blackjack at home quells some of their desire to do something catastrophic.
    — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Powered by chemical agents, this provides apt UV protection while hyaluronic acid improves hydration levels, niacinamide quells inflammation, and allantoin keeps skin soothed.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of quells
Verb
  • In person, Huang subdues his ironic braggadocio with polite eye contact and rolling belly laughs at his own jokes.
    — Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • El Nino also subdues the hurricane season in the Atlantic because there is so much heat in the Pacific that outcompetes the Atlantic, Berardelli added.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Definition of subdues

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Cite this Entry

“Represses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/represses. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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