oppressed

adjective

op·​pressed ə-ˈprest How to pronounce oppressed (audio)
Synonyms of oppressednext
: burdened by abuse of power or authority
Group identity in oppressed groups is always very strategic, always a calculation of advantage.Shelby Steele
They are neither oppressed minorities, whose needs have been etched into the nation's consciousness, nor members of the ruling elite, born with their hands on the reins of power.Anthony DeCurtis

Examples of oppressed in a Sentence

setting out on a quixotic quest to right wrongs and to raise up the oppressed peoples of the world
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Again and again, American planners have assumed that if the right spark is provided, oppressed people will seize the moment and revolt. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026 The tiny minority that held this fragile wealth has long needed protection, both from the vast numbers of oppressed people needed to extract it and from the federal government determined to protect them. USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026 Trump may hope that Americans will rally behind a campaign to rid the world of a bloody terrorist regime and give an oppressed people a chance at freedom. Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 Alper used his speech to express solidarity with oppressed people everywhere. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oppressed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oppressed was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Oppressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppressed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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