1
as in to strangle
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
unfortunately, the robbers were stifled when they got trapped in the airless bank vault
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to suppress
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
stifled a yawn
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stifle
The potential for higher interest rates can stifle future spending and hurt prices for investments.
—
Damian J. Troise,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Candor, without the balance of Humility, Temperance, and Collaboration, risks hardening into rigidity, creating blind spots and stifling relationships.
—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
As a result, a small number of corporations can – and do – suppress competition in the seed industry, stifle innovation and turn taxpayer subsidies intended for farmers into corporate profits.
—
Julie Dawson,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle worried that putting such limits in place would stifle the creation of new housing.
—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Damian J. Troise,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Candor, without the balance of Humility, Temperance, and Collaboration, risks hardening into rigidity, creating blind spots and stifling relationships.
—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
As a result, a small number of corporations can – and do – suppress competition in the seed industry, stifle innovation and turn taxpayer subsidies intended for farmers into corporate profits.
—
Julie Dawson,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle worried that putting such limits in place would stifle the creation of new housing.
—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifle
Verb
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Instead of having a thousand flowers bloom, a thousand weeds end up strangling them.
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She was likely strangled, the pathologist concluded.
Verb
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Things like trying to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney's Office, trying to get some of the evidence suppressed, trying to get a contempt order because the prosecutors violated the court's gag order.
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One key group that appeared to be suppressed, Prevotella species, may interfere with the production of nitric oxide.
Verb
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But these suites are also closest to the elevators, and the historic walls don’t adequately muffle the sounds of other guests.
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Nolan's team and IMAX worked together to create a special housing for the camera to muffle the sound of its operation.
Verb
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The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries, stalling Russia's efforts on the battlefield, Western officials and analysts say, and heaped pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Remove chokes from artichokes and steam in small amount of water for 15 minutes, adding water to pan as needed.
Verb
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As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the border's journey to its current location is the story of the birth of a nation that swallowed up Native American tribes, Spanish descendants and Mexican citizens in its insatiable hunger to grow.
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Any area can be vulnerable to flash floods, which can occur within minutes to hours of heavy rainfall, swallowing roads and creating dangerous currents in rivers and creeks.
Verb
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Whether they’re smothered in pepper jelly, doused in barbecue sauce, or wrapped in bacon, appetizers are your chance to set the tone and impress your guests (because, let’s face it, nothing beats the satisfaction of compliments on your spread).
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Like English ivy, kudzu spreads very aggressively, smothering out native species and potentially becoming a real problem for your garden.
Verb
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In his car, Lestat is no longer able to repress his memories after having opened the floodgates.
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While dealing with the sexist discrimination the regime enforces, Panahi still makes space for lighthearted moments when the women’s joy, even from a distance, can’t be repressed.
Verb
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The runoff and high temperatures caused fish to suffocate, killing thousands of fish over a 20-mile stretch.
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Water deeply to promote a deep root growth, but avoid over watering, which can suffocate roots.
Cite this Entry
“Stifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifle. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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