Oppressive describes something that is unjustly harsh, tyrannical, or burdensome. It implies the exertion of power or authority in a cruel or unfair manner, creating a sense of being weighed down, controlled, or restricted. It can refer to laws, systems, climates, or even personal relationships that inflict suffering or limit freedom and autonomy, resulting in a feeling of being dominated and unable to thrive.
Oppressive meaning with examples
- The dictator's regime was notoriously oppressive, with strict censorship and constant surveillance instilling fear in the population and quashing any form of dissent against their control.
- The summer heat was oppressive, a thick and heavy blanket that sapped energy and made even simple tasks feel incredibly laborious and uncomfortable during the day.
- She felt trapped in an oppressive marriage, stifled by her husband's controlling behavior and isolated from friends and family, making her deeply miserable.
- The tax laws were so oppressive that many small businesses struggled to stay afloat, unable to bear the heavy financial burden, and leading to widespread closures.
Oppressive Synonyms
authoritarian brutal burdensome cruel despotic dictatorial heavy overbearing repressive restricting ruthless severe suffocating tyrannical unjustOppressive Antonyms
beneficial empowering encouraging facilitating gentle helpful kind lenient liberating mild permissive supportive tolerantOppressive Crossword Answers
6 Letters
SULTRY STUFFY STICKY
7 Letters
ONEROUS
8 Letters
STIFLING THUNDERY
9 Letters
TYRANNOUS
10 Letters
TYRANNICAL BURDENSOME
11 Letters
HEAVYHANDED
12 Letters
OVERPOWERING