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What is another word for Oppressive? – 249 Oppressive Synonyms

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


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    tyrannical dictatorial authoritarian despotic dominant controlling restrictive burdensome harsh cruel brutal ruthless merciless pitiless heartless inhumane intolerable unbearable suffocating crushing overwhelming debilitating exhausting draining enervating weakening disheartening discouraging depressing dismal gloomy bleak dismal somber mournful oppressive weighing heavy leaden ponderous laborious toilsome arduous strenuous exacting demanding stringent severe austere Spartan rigorous strict stern unyielding inflexible unrelenting relentless merciless unforgiving unfeeling callous insensitive unsympathetic unempathetic

    Meaning of Oppressive

    The primary meaning of "oppressive" is relating to or characteristic of a system or situation in which people are treated unfairly or cruelly and are not allowed to enjoy their rights or freedoms.

    Definitions

    • Relating to or characteristic of a system or situation in which people are treated unfairly or cruelly and are not allowed to enjoy their rights or freedoms.
    • * Causing a feeling of sadness, worry, or discomfort, often in a way that is difficult to escape or forget.

    Etymology of Oppressive

    The word "oppressive" has its roots in the Latin word "opprimere," which means "to press against" or "to weigh upon."
    The word has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe situations or systems that exert excessive pressure or control over individuals or groups.

    Example Uses

    • The oppressive regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses and a complete lack of freedom for its citizens.
    • * The oppressive heat and humidity made it difficult to work outdoors during the summer months.
    • * The oppressive atmosphere of the old mansion made it feel like a prison.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    liberating freeing emancipating empowering uplifting inspiring heartening encouraging cheering reassuring comforting soothing calming gentle lenient permissive tolerant forgiving merciful compassionate sympathetic empathetic humane kind benevolent generous magnanimous considerate thoughtful gentle mild moderate reasonable fair just equitable impartial unbiased neutral free unrestricted uncontrolled unregulated

    Related Nouns

    oppression tyranny dictatorship despotism domination control restriction burden hardship cruelty brutality ruthlessness mercilessness pitilessness heartlessness inhumanity intolerance suffering affliction anguish misery wretchedness distress discomfort unease anxiety fear dread terror horror gloom bleakness somberness mournfulness

    Related Verbs

    oppress tyrannize dominate control restrict burden harass persecute torment torture brutalize ruthlessly mercilessly pitilessly heartlessly inhumanly intolerably suffer afflict anguish miserable wretched distress discomfort unease anxiety fear dread terrorize horrify gloom bleak somber mourn

    Related Adjectives

    oppressive tyrannical dictatorial authoritarian despotic dominant controlling restrictive burdensome harsh cruel brutal ruthless merciless pitiless heartless inhumane intolerable unbearable suffocating crushing overwhelming debilitating exhausting draining enervating weakening disheartening discouraging depressing dismal gloomy bleak somber mournful liberating freeing emancipating empowering uplifting inspiring heartening encouraging cheering reassuring comforting soothing calming gentle lenient permissive tolerant forgiving merciful compassionate sympathetic empathetic humane kind benevolent generous magnanimous considerate thoughtful gentle mild moderate reasonable fair just equitable impartial unbiased neutral