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

At 53 years old, Feng Xia, a Chinese immigrant in Montreal, finally confronts her repressed desire for women and begins a secret affair with a young Québécoise. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026 The book covers 25 cases from Law & Order and its spinoffs’ most popular episodes, from how a woman’s repressed memory led to solving a 30-year-old cold case to the high-profile investigation of millionaire Robert Durst. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 14 Sep. 2026

Verb

The chart surge comes after Bring Me the Horizon’s early catalog was recently repressed and reissued on vinyl as part of the band’s anniversary celebration surrounding two decades of Count Your Blessings. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Hole’s first three albums—Pretty on the Inside, Live Through This, and Celebrity Skin—are being repressed in various vinyl styles for release on September 18. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repressed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for repressed

Adjective

Instead of the pops of yellow included in the original design, Stone’s NYFF look went with muted grays and beiges.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
With the crowd on its feet still hoping for a comeback, pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets struck out to end it and the Brewers had a muted celebration on the field.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of muted

Verb

Sorkin’s problem was that, in reality, at this point in Facebook’s history, the powerful CEO had pushed out all the Roger McNamees, having suppressed dissent within the company.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026
The rest of the network enacts the decision, as other genes are activated or suppressed farther downstream, but isn’t active in it.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppressed

Verb

Nationwide, Muslim and pro-Palestinian students argued that their speech had been stifled.

— Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026
The most promising part for the Panthers is that Bryce Young, who leads the NFL in passing yardage, was in no way stifled Sunday.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of stifled

Adjective

Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
While the look nods to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with its restrained elegance, the final product is decidedly Giulia’s own.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrained

Verb

Its brutal and ongoing crackdown on protests has quelled a public revolt.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever may have had their WNBA championship dreams quelled Thursday, but the star’s Nike Caitlin 1 signature sneaker story is just getting underway.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of quelled

Adjective

While the brown is a more subdued hue, Aquazzura currently offers the style in metallic gold and pink for $1,085.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
In one voting center in Sao Paulo, the energy was more subdued than four years ago, when Lula beat the senator’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of subdued

Adjective

Residents enjoy a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and endless opportunities on Lake Keowee, including boating, swimming, or simply quiet moments on the water.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
His wife Ajin, 32, sets out to win compensation but runs into a system that thrives on exploiting people and keeping them quiet.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of quiet

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Repressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repressed. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of repressed

adjective

verb

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