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Definitions

depress

[dih-pres] / dɪˈprɛs /
VERB
deject, make despondent; exhaust
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afflict beat down bother damp dampen daunt discourage dishearten dismay dispirit disturb dull lower reduce sadden sap slow trouble upset weaken weigh down
STRONG
abase ail beat bug chill cow darken debase debilitate degrade desolate devitalize distress drag drain enervate faze mock mortify oppress perturb press scorn torment try weary
WEAK
bear down bum out cast down keep under put down reduce to tears run down throw cold water on turn one off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist cheer comfort delight encourage hearten help increase inspirit make happy order please raise strengthen
STRONG
activate admire approve calm elevate energize exalt flatter honor improve invigorate praise soothe upgrade
WEAK
excite lift push up stimulate uplift
VERB
devalue
Synonyms
STRONGEST
diminish impair lessen lower reduce
STRONG
cheapen debase depreciate downgrade
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compliment enlarge expand extend grow increase praise raise strengthen
STRONG
enhance improve laud upgrade
WEAK
cheer comfort encourage excite lift make happy push up stimulate uplift
VERB
push down
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lower
STRONG
couch dip droop flatten level settle sink squash
WEAK
demit let down press down smoosh
Antonyms
STRONG
raise rise
WEAK
cheer comfort encourage excite increase lift make happy push up stimulate uplift

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.

What’s more, high prices for oil and other commodities could depress consumer spending and force businesses to finally lay off lots of workers.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

The new plants caused concerns that a supply glut was about to depress prices for the next two to five years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Higher gas prices, however, are likely to depress sales at other retailers in the coming months.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

She worries that if a company ends up hiring a worker on a lower wage, the practice will depress wages for everyone.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026

I even think depression is caused by thinking about things that depress you.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary lists containing depress

Hatchet

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 4

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The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

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