repressive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Southeast Asian nation of 100 million is both an economic success story, boasting eight percent growth last year, and a repressive one-party state that often jails its critics.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

She reminisces on a childhood growing up in a repressive household during the 1960s, when second-wave feminism and the women’s liberation movement were just starting to achieve legitimacy.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Eighteen months later, the shah was gone and his repressive rule replaced with the Islamic Republic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

But only when they are acting in the service of repressive power.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

He didn't care about repressive institutions and he certainly didn't plan to be underfoot.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville