OPPRESSIVE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'oppressive' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oppressive are burdensome , exacting , and onerous . While all these words mean "imposing hardship," oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed. // the oppressive tyranny of a police state

Q: When can 'burdensome' be used instead of 'oppressive'?

In some situations, the words burdensome and oppressive are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain. // burdensome responsibilities

Q: When would 'exacting' be a good substitute for 'oppressive'?

While the synonyms exacting and oppressive are close in meaning, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding. // an exacting employer

Q: Where would 'onerous' be a reasonable alternative to 'oppressive'?

The words onerous and oppressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful. // the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

oppressive

adjective

ə-ˈpre-siv

Definition of oppressive next

as in harsh

difficult to endure an oppressive regime that rules through terror

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective oppressive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oppressive are burdensome, exacting, and onerous. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

When can burdensome be used instead of oppressive?

In some situations, the words burdensome and oppressive are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

When would exacting be a good substitute for oppressive?

While the synonyms exacting and oppressive are close in meaning, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

Where would onerous be a reasonable alternative to oppressive?

The words onerous and oppressive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

Examples 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 oppressive Based on the classic Stephen King novel written under pen name Richard Bachman, The Running Man is set in an oppressive future where the government controls the media. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 Robert Eggers’ The Witch (2015) pushed for a rejection of oppressive familial conditions. —

Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 Several accounts mention a shadowy male figure and an oppressive presence in the basement, leading some to believe that Sallie may not be the only spirit trapped within its walls. —

Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Set in 1307, the film tells the story of famous Swiss hero William Tell, who — in this version — reluctantly leads a revolution against the oppressive Austrian king who occupies a stretch of land along the modern-day border between the countries. —

Jamie Lang, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oppressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive

Adjective

Trump has promised to enact a new fiscal and economic regime, including harsh tariffs that some economists fear could have inflationary effects.

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
November is here, and with its arrival comes cooler, harsher weather.

Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024