Synonyms for

Suppression

Verb / sʌˈpreʃʌn / Another word for suppression — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Suppression means the act of stopping or preventing something from being expressed or revealed.

Synonyms & similar words

quelling stifling crushing inhibition curtailment repression inhibition constraint control curtailment silencing muzzling gagging censorship ban prohibition embargo blockade interdiction veto taboo blackout secrecy concealment withholding

Synonyms by register

Formal

inhibition restraint quashing subdual

Informal

holding back keeping down stifling

Literary

curbing choking muzzling

Antonyms

release allowance permission encouragement advocacy support liberation

Common collocations

  • suppression of dissent
  • suppression of evidence
  • information suppression
  • emotional suppression
  • suppression of the truth
  • suppression of rights
  • suppression of rebellion

Word family

noun suppression
verb suppress
adjective suppressive

Usage note

Suppression often implies an active, forceful act of preventing something from being known, expressed, or occurring. It can carry negative connotations, especially when referring to human rights or emotions.

Example sentences

  1. The suppression of his emotions made him feel numb.
  2. The government's suppression of the media caused outrage among citizens.
  3. I have to practice suppression of my anger when my little sister takes my toys.
  4. The suppression of her artistic expression caused her to feel suffocated.
  5. The suppression of scientific research could have dire consequences for humanity.

Quotes

  • The history of progress is written in the blood of men and women who have dared to espouse an unpopular cause, as, for instance, the black man's right to his body, or woman's right to her soul. - Emma Goldman
  • The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism. - Wole Soyinka
  • Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide actualities from themselves and from others. Their fear is only their inability to face what is real, and I can't vent any anger against them. I only feel this appalling sadness. Somewhere in their upbringing, they were shielded against the total facts of our existence. - Charles Bukowski

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