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

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

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

In spite of the increasing tools being used by repressive regimes, Woodward is surprisingly optimistic about the future of internet.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026

That’s the kind of fatalism and pessimism typical of a repressive feudal system, where peasants have no reason to believe in the efficacy of their own work.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell