as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke (back)
Verb
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An intensification of violence in Iran and the Gulf triggered a global stock selloff earlier this week, driving credit risk gauges higher and stifling primary issuance.—
Claire Ruckin,
Bloomberg,
5 Mar. 2026 -
That narrative stifled research on Polish antisemitism and Poles who killed Jews during and after the Holocaust.—
Shira Li Bartov,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Leaves not only suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, but are also more environmentally friendly than bark mulch or landscape fabric.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Mar. 2026
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His father, Iran's last king, had a close relationship with the United States, but he was also known for suppressing opposition and showering his friends with wealth.—
Scott Pelley,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Bella Hadid, however, has been bucking this trend throughout her time in Paris and beyond, largely opting for denim that highlights her footwear rather than swallowing them up.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
7 Mar. 2026
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Phillipsburg declared a state of emergency last month when a sinkhole swallowed a dump truck.—
Nick Caloway,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But after Democrat Alex Holladay flipped a seat in the state House of Representatives on Tuesday, DNC Chair Ken Martin could not hold back his praise for Democrats in the Natural State.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
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While the skirmish was going on, Tre White had to be held back by KU assistant Tony Bland, and White did not seem pleased as the two exchanged some words.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
4 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Choke (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choke%20%28back%29. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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