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suffocating

adjective

suf·​fo·​cat·​ing ˈsə-fə-ˌkā-tiŋ How to pronounce suffocating (audio)
: tending or serving to suffocate or overpower : overwhelming
suffocatingly adverb

Examples of suffocating in a Sentence

inside the bunker it was suffocating, and some of the men had already passed out
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.
How to Watch Miami vs Virginia Tech Miami has employed a suffocating defense under coach Mario Cristobal, allowing just 14.2 points per game, good for 7th in the NCAA. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Nov. 2025 The Vikings never seemed to know what was coming next during the Chargers’ comprehensive 37-10 victory, unable to contend with Herbert and the offense or solve a suffocating defense that sacked Minnesota quarterback Carson Wentz five times and limited him to only 144 yards passing. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025 Doors and windows were locked, producing a suffocating effect in the hot weather. Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 For Perrie Edwards, the studio can be both a sanctuary and a suffocating cocoon. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffocating

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suffocating was in 1604

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suffocating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffocating. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

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