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oppressive

[uh-pres-iv] / əˈprɛs ɪv /




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.

His initial rationale—to oust the oppressive regime, so the Iranian people could take over—was always a pipe dream.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026

They characterize these authorities as an oppressive force, denying individuals the freedom to make their own choices, however unscientific, about healthcare.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

There was Kent Brantly, 27, a family physician who, owing to the grueling hours and oppressive African heat, had lost 30 pounds even before he succumbed to hemorrhagic fevers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

“One of the interesting things about L.A. was, when I moved there, I couldn’t really blame the city anymore because I wasn’t in an oppressive place,” he remembers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The once respected and honored Taliban became what they were fighting against, the oppressive warlords and dictators that had preceded them.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai




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