suppress

[suh-pres] / səˈprɛs /

VERB

restrain, hold in check

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abolish censor conceal contain cover up crack down on crush curb cut off muzzle overcome overthrow put an end to put down quash quell quench repress silence snuff out stamp out stifle subdue withhold

STRONG

annihilate bottle burke check clamp conquer extinguish interrupt muffle overpower shush smother spike squash stop trample

WEAK

beat down bring to naught hold back hold down hold in keep in keep secret put kibosh on put lid on sit on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist build up compliment encourage give in help let go permit praise release sanction start support surrender yield

STRONG

light open

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.

In fact, many believers say the more authorities seek to suppress Christianity in China, the more the faith will spread and grow stronger.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

“He’s also so supportive of my career. A lot of men in my past were really intimidated by my success. They tried to suppress what I was doing or make me feel bad about it.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

“It would be misguided to think that they could actually suppress the price of oil,” said Wallerstein.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

Long added she was "conscious always" of the security threat in Northern Ireland, but, "by and large", the police have been able to "suppress and disrupt" such activity.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

She looked at her rags and stained skin, and she couldn’t suppress the twinge of shame.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Vocabulary lists containing suppress

The Giver

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Animal Farm

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Maze Runner

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!