Definitions

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.

El Niño also tends to suppress Atlantic hurricanes, and forecasters already expect a quieter-than-average season.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Raising borrowing costs now could help suppress inflation while giving policymakers more flexibility if price pressures continue to build.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

In other words, the systems appeared unable to consistently suppress the response they had been most heavily trained to produce.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

In California’s forested areas, which historically experienced frequent, low-intensity ground fires, the state and federal government worked aggressively to suppress all fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

“Whatever, girl, listen: I need you to suppress the urge to make a corny pun about what I’m about to say.”

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

Vocabulary lists containing suppress

The Giver

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Animal Farm

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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!