Antonyms for irrepressible


Grammar : Adj
Spell : ir-i-pres-uh-buh l
Phonetic Transcription : ˌɪr ɪˈprɛs ə bəl


Definition of irrepressible

Origin :
  • 1767, from assimilated form of in- (1) "not, opposite of" + repressible (see repress).
  • Increase of population, which is filling the States out to their very borders, together with a new and extended network of railroads and other avenues, and an internal commerce which daily becomes more intimate, is rapidly bringing the States into a higher and more perfect social unity or consolidation. Thus, these antagonistic systems are continually coming into closer contact, and collision results.Shall I tell you what this collision means? They who think that it is accidental, unnecessary, the work of interested or fanatical agitators, and therefor ephemeral, mistake the case altogether. It is an irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring forces, and it means that the United States must and will, sooner or later, become either entirely a slaveholding nation, or entirely a free-labor nation. [William H. Seward, speech at Rochester, N.Y., Oct. 2, 1858]
  • Related: Irrepressibly.
  • adj effervescent, vivacious
Example sentences :
  • The irrepressible Aggie put on her most finically elegant air.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • It had within it a vital and irrepressible element of growth.
  • Extract from : « The Nation in a Nutshell » by George Makepeace Towle
  • Again came the irrepressible chorus, "Aye, that 'e did, sor!"
  • Extract from : « The Cruise of the Dry Dock » by T. S. Stribling
  • Before the sentence was well finished her laughter was irrepressible.
  • Extract from : « Graham's Magazine Vol. XXXII No. 2. February 1848 » by Various
  • And then the irrepressible, overwhelming, inevitable moment came.
  • Extract from : « The Woman Thou Gavest Me » by Hall Caine
  • After the coffee was served the irrepressible Sam proposed a walk.
  • Extract from : « Mary-'Gusta » by Joseph C. Lincoln
  • He started, and wrung his hands in sudden, irrepressible distress.
  • Extract from : « The Wild Geese » by Stanley John Weyman
  • Ay, Jack and no other; more courtly, but as irrepressible as ever.
  • Extract from : « Clare Avery » by Emily Sarah Holt
  • Was it the irrepressible instinct of my heart for the romance of life?
  • Extract from : « The Trail of '98 » by Robert W. Service
  • An unedified palate is the irrepressible cloven foot of the upstart.
  • Extract from : « A Pair of Blue Eyes » by Thomas Hardy

Synonyms for irrepressible

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019