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What is another word for Repressive? – 190 Repressive Synonyms

    Need another word for Repressive? Use these synonyms of Repressive from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    restrictive oppressive tyrannical dictatorial authoritarian autocratic coercive suppressive stifling suffocating controlling dominating domineering harsh severe stringent rigid inflexible unyielding relentless merciless pitiless cruel brutal inhumane draconian iron-fisted heavy-handed overbearing repressive prohibitive limiting constraining constricting confining restrictive regimented disciplined stern austere ascetic monastic Spartan puritanical strict rigid unrelenting unforgiving unyielding

    Meaning of Repressive

    The primary meaning of "Repressive" is related to the act of suppressing or restraining something, often in a way that is considered harsh or unjust.

    Definitions

    • Relating to or characterized by the suppression of feelings, thoughts, or behaviors, often in a social or political context
    • Restricting or controlling something, especially by force or authority
    • Preventing or inhibiting the expression or manifestation of something, often in a way that is considered excessive or unjust

    Etymology of Repressive

    The word "Repressive" has its roots in the Latin "reprimere", which means "to press back" or "to suppress"
    The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the act of suppressing or restraining something, often in a social or political context
    Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to suppression, restraint, and control

    Example Uses

    • The government's repressive policies have led to widespread human rights abuses
    • The company has a repressive culture that stifles creativity and innovation
    • The repressive regime has been criticized for its treatment of political dissidents
    • The therapist helped her patient to overcome repressive memories that had been buried for years

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    permissive lenient tolerant forgiving merciful gentle mild soft liberal progressive democratic libertarian anarchic free unrestrained uncontrolled spontaneous voluntary willing accommodating flexible adaptable yielding relenting indulgent lenient humane kind compassionate empathetic

    Related Nouns

    repression oppression tyranny dictatorship authoritarianism autocracy coercion suppression stifling suffocation control domination harshness severity stringency rigidity inflexibility unyieldingness relentlessness mercilessness pitilessness cruelty brutality inhumanity draconianism iron-fistedness heavy-handedness overbearance restrictiveness limitation constraint constricting confinement

    Related Verbs

    repress oppress tyrannize dictate coerce suppress stifle suffocate control dominate harshen severe string rigidify inflexibilize unyield relent merciless pitiless cruel brutalize inhumanize draconize iron-fist heavy-hand overbear restrict limit constrain constrict confine

    Related Adjectives

    restrictive oppressive tyrannical dictatorial authoritarian autocratic coercive suppressive stifling suffocating controlling dominating domineering harsh severe stringent rigid inflexible unyielding relentless merciless pitiless cruel brutal inhumane draconian iron-fisted heavy-handed overbearing repressive prohibitive limiting constraining constricting confining regimented disciplined stern austere ascetic monastic Spartan puritanical strict rigid unrelenting unforgiving