suppression of dissent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suppression of dissent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the stifling or repression of opposing opinions or beliefs, often in political or social discussions. Example: "The government's policies have led to the suppression of dissent, making it difficult for citizens to voice their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their suppression of dissent, he said, increases radicalism.

The New York Times

Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch called this the harshest suppression of dissent in a decade.

The New Yorker

Suppression of dissent by the Bush administration is mentioned in several places of this website.

Cornell University

After the kidnapping, the military Government intensified its suppression of dissent.

The New York Times

The president similarly stepped extremely carefully when he raised Vietnam's suppression of dissent and its limits on emigration.

The New York Times

If history is any indicator, the line between national security and suppression of dissent grows hazy in times of conflict.

The New Yorker

He was also cited in dispatches in a 1999 study on the suppression of dissent in science.

The Guardian

At the same time, Mr. Bush toned down Washington's long-running complaints about Dr. Mahathir's sometimes brutal suppression of dissent.

The New York Times

They are testimony to the suppression of dissent within communities, one of the most pernicious legacies of imperial rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was increasingly aware, in those days, of the church's suppression of dissent, even the whiff of dissent.

The Guardian - Opinion

He declined to comment on the criticism that Syria should be disqualified for the government's violent suppression of dissent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suppression of dissent" when you want to convey a sense of deliberate action taken to silence opposition, rather than simply disagreement or lack of consensus.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "suppression of dissent" too broadly. Reserve it for situations where there is clear evidence of intentional efforts to stifle opposing views, rather than simply a lack of diverse opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suppression of dissent" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing actions, policies, or conditions that stifle opposition. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase denotes the act of inhibiting opposing viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suppression of dissent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes the act of stifling opposing viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal contexts, particularly in news, academia, and encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide specific examples and avoid overuse in general discussions. Alternatives like "repression of opposition" or "stifling of dissenting voices" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's prevalence across various sources demonstrates its importance in discussions about freedom of expression and social justice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repression of opposition

This alternative focuses on the act of repressing any form of opposition, emphasizing a broader scope than just dissent.

stifling of dissenting voices

This phrase highlights the act of silencing or inhibiting voices that express disagreement.

curtailment of free expression

This alternative emphasizes the limitation or reduction of the ability to express oneself freely.

muzzling of critical opinions

This phrase evokes the image of preventing critical opinions from being voiced or heard.

silencing of opposition

This alternative emphasizes the act of making opposition silent or ineffective.

crackdown on free speech

This phrase suggests a sudden and forceful action taken to suppress free speech.

inhibition of protest

This alternative focuses on preventing or hindering acts of protest.

discouragement of disagreement

This phrase suggests creating an environment where disagreement is actively discouraged.

elimination of critical thought

This alternative is the most extreme as it describes eradicating critical thought and discourse.

control of information

This phrase shifts the focus to controlling the flow of information, which can indirectly suppress dissent.

FAQs

How can I use "suppression of dissent" in a sentence?

You can use "suppression of dissent" to describe actions taken by governments, organizations, or individuals to silence opposing voices. For example: "The government's policies led to the "suppression of dissent" among its citizens."

What are some alternatives to "suppression of dissent"?

Some alternatives include "repression of opposition", "stifling of dissenting voices", or "curtailment of free expression", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "suppression of dissent" and censorship?

"Suppression of dissent" refers specifically to actions taken to silence or discourage opposing views, while censorship involves controlling or prohibiting the publication or dissemination of certain information. Censorship can be a tool used in the "suppression of dissent", but the latter is a broader concept.

Is "suppression of dissent" always a negative thing?

In democratic societies, "suppression of dissent" is generally viewed negatively, as it undermines freedom of speech and expression. However, in some contexts, such as during wartime, certain restrictions on dissent may be argued as necessary for national security, though such measures are often controversial.