1
as in to strangle
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
the law requires the owner of a discarded refrigerator to remove its door so that a child won't get trapped inside and suffocate
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2
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suffocate
For nearly two weeks, wildfires — the first of which was spawned along Krome Avenue from a lightning strike and split into two blazes spanning over 22,000 acres — have suffocated neighborhoods in western Miami-Dade County.
—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The runoff and high temperatures caused fish to suffocate, killing thousands of fish over a 20-mile stretch.
—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Water deeply to promote a deep root growth, but avoid over watering, which can suffocate roots.
—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
Azim was then beaten, strangled, suffocated with a pillow, gagged, and stuffed in a closet.
—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2026
The runoff and high temperatures caused fish to suffocate, killing thousands of fish over a 20-mile stretch.
—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Water deeply to promote a deep root growth, but avoid over watering, which can suffocate roots.
—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
Azim was then beaten, strangled, suffocated with a pillow, gagged, and stuffed in a closet.
—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffocate
Verb
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The empress returns to her chambers to weep, only to be strangled by a eunuch under the noble consort’s orders.
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The warning is the second issued by UCSB police since May, when an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a Sigma Pi fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.
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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And Sydney vomiting out the news of Carmy’s departure is definitely something.
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Stephanie Franklin, the mother of a close friend of Benning, took multiple photos of the apartment while wearing gloves and removed a bed comforter that Benning had vomited on.
Verb
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The wave of progressive candidates challenging mainstream Democrats may drown Sens.
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Kamal, a 60-year-old Palestinian man, is ordered by an Israeli court in Jerusalem to pay a large social security debt on behalf of his son Wael, who drowned in the Red Sea over 20 years ago, or so Kamal was told.
Verb
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Raquel got the early advantage and smothered Maxxine in the corner.
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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).
Cite this Entry
“Suffocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffocate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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