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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stifle
On the flip side, boosting Fox content while stifling everything else could be bad for overall engagement in the long run.
—
Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
However, the 22-year-old Melbourne City goalkeeper did on the day with multiple saves that stifled Turkey.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 14 June 2026
The favourites for the tournament include Spain, France, Argentina and, yes, England; but much will depend on how well squads adapt to the stifling heat, games at high altitude, and having to play across four different time zones.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 13 June 2026
At the June 1 hearing, her lawyer compared the law to anti-SLAPP laws that are supposed to deter defamation suits that are actually designed to stifle speech (per Courthouse News Service).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
However, the 22-year-old Melbourne City goalkeeper did on the day with multiple saves that stifled Turkey.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 14 June 2026
The favourites for the tournament include Spain, France, Argentina and, yes, England; but much will depend on how well squads adapt to the stifling heat, games at high altitude, and having to play across four different time zones.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 13 June 2026
At the June 1 hearing, her lawyer compared the law to anti-SLAPP laws that are supposed to deter defamation suits that are actually designed to stifle speech (per Courthouse News Service).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifle
Verb
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Tree experts found the root system strangled and starved.—
Brian Melley,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
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But one of the largest rural unions behind the road blockades that had strangled La Paz on Saturday called for a pause in the conflict and ordered protesters to withdraw until next week to assess the situation following the declaration of a state of emergency.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 June 2026
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.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
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One key group that appeared to be suppressed, Prevotella species, may interfere with the production of nitric oxide.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
23 June 2026
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.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
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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.—
Will Croxton,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Police say after entering the store, Tabor allegedly randomly picked out a woman and started choking her.—
Joy Benedict,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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Connecticut’s largest cities also struggle with the state’s highest property tax rates, which chokes business growth and, in turn, shifts more burden onto residential owners.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2026
Verb
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At this stage of his career, that would be a difficult pill to swallow.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
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Nowadays, the land surrounding the 67-year-old fruit stand is paved over as cookie-cutter townhomes swallow the area.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
Verb
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McCary also points out that shorter grass clippings are also less likely to form large or heavy clumps that might smother patches of lawn.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
21 June 2026
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However, improving the soil in a lawn is more difficult because adding more than 1 inch of organic matter as a top-dressing can smother the grass.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Verb
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In his car, Lestat is no longer able to repress his memories after having opened the floodgates.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
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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.—
Carlos Aguilar,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Verb
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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
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Water deeply to promote a deep root growth, but avoid over watering, which can suffocate roots.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifle. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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