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

Example 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 Nestled deep among climate anxiety, a respect for nature’s fury, and a heat so oppressive it all but robs him of language, Tonino found a way to depict of one of the most extreme places on the planet in a gentle, generous manner. —

The Editors, Outside Online, 26 Dec. 2024 But the backdrops are rendered with an oppressive prettiness that has a perverse cheapening effect. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 The total absence of shadow is an oppressive sensation, which engenders a feeling similar to that of claustrophobia. —

New Atlas, 6 Jan. 2025 To the outside world, the South is synonymous with beach trips and oppressive humidity; those of us who have spent a significant time in the region, however, know that’s only part of the narrative. —

Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for oppressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive

Adjective

Ideally, opt for an eco-friendly detergent without harsh chemicals.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025
Unlike regular shampoos, curl-specific formulas focus on hydration, gentle cleansing, and curl retention while avoiding harsh sulfates and silicones that can strip moisture.

— Erin Parker, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025