Synonyms for
Oppressive
Definition
causing someone to feel burdened, harshly controlled, or unfairly treated
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- oppressive regime
- oppressive government
- oppressive atmosphere
- oppressive heat
- oppressive laws
- oppressive conditions
- oppressive silence
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe governments, laws, or conditions that are harsh and unjust. Can also describe an atmosphere or feeling that is heavy and uncomfortable.
Example sentences
- The oppressive government did not allow freedom of speech.
- The oppressive workload made her feel stressed.
- The oppressive heat made everyone want to stay indoors.
- The oppressive rules made the game no fun.
- The oppressive atmosphere made it hard to relax.
Quotes
The chains of love are stronger than the chains of fear. - William Sloane Coffin, Jr.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. - Martin Luther King, Jr.
The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. - Martin Luther King, Jr.