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

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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. —

Justin Kroll, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024 Through their perspectives, Bujold explores delicate and often heavy themes, some involving the worst aspects of war and oppressive political regimes. —

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024 Under Assad's long and oppressive rule even the slightest criticism could land a citizen in prison. —

Claire Harbage, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024 While the series is focused on the theft of sweet sap, the core characters are three people desperate to break free from oppressive systems and circumstances. —

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oppressive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppressive

Adjective

So, unlike fitting a traditional all-terrain tire designed for a truck or heavier SUV, these won’t ruin a crossover’s fuel economy or create an unnecessarily harsh ride.

Bryan Rogala, Outside Online, 30 Dec. 2024
However, imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders was what drove support for Proposition 36.

Koko Nakajima, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024