1
2
3
as in to suffocate
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
thick, black smoke choked the trapped firefighters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to block
to prevent passage through by filling with something
overgrown bushes choked the narrow alleyway between the buildings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of choke
Fertilizer is also being choked by the closure of the strait.
—
Garrett Downs, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
One individual was allegedly choked to near unconsciousness.
—Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
The woman told officers during an argument, Dickson pushed her into a dresser, choked her and slammed her head into the wall.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The pair have been in physical altercations in the past, including Manning's 2012 arrest for allegedly punching, scratching, kicking and choking Hartman – whom media outlets have referred to as Manning's former make-up artist and assistant – and slamming her head against the floor and wall.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for choke
Garrett Downs, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
One individual was allegedly choked to near unconsciousness.
—Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
The woman told officers during an argument, Dickson pushed her into a dresser, choked her and slammed her head into the wall.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The pair have been in physical altercations in the past, including Manning's 2012 arrest for allegedly punching, scratching, kicking and choking Hartman – whom media outlets have referred to as Manning's former make-up artist and assistant – and slamming her head against the floor and wall.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for choke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke
Verb
-
The following month, a hit squad, reportedly acting on bin Salman’s orders, strangled Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist who had been critical of the regime, and used a bone saw to dismember his corpse.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Invasive vines like Virginia creeper, English ivy, and buckthorn can strangle trees, for example, and some aggressive trees may spread via underground suckers and roots.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An oral rehydration solution typically used to treat dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting in children.—
Brandi Jones,
Verywell Health,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Shortly after, Jack started vomiting and having seizures.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Anna Frenza wakes up suddenly, suffocating from smoke and spitting ash.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
-
But their suffocating defense and strong interior play were enough to earn the program its first national title since 1989.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The undrafted rookie blocked two shots in the final seconds to help the Sacramento Kings hold on for a 117-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans before a crowd of 15,422 at Golden 1 Center.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The strait has effectively blocked by Iran since the start of the war.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After a competitive first half, the Huskies throttled the Illini, 77-52.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Pittsburgh throttled the Islanders on Monday, 8-3.—
Michael Guise,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Police said 65-year-old William Hemphill was arrested and charged with obstructing highway passageway.—
CBS Texas Staff,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The opportunities for science abound, such as the spectacular sight of a solar eclipse when the moon fully obstructs the sun from view.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Crowds also jammed the surrounding roads and beaches, reminiscent of the Apollo moonshots in the 1960s and ’70s.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
After shooting Diller, Rivera pointed his gun at Rosen’s chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed, prosecutors said.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Choke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choke. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
