CHOKE (BACK) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

choke (back)

verb

Definition of choke (back)

as in to stifle

to refrain from openly showing or uttering choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke (back)

Verb

With technology advancing quickly, regulators are trying to keep up while also facing pressure not to stifle innovation.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
The senator, who has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing AI safety risks, stressed that any new regulation should be targeted and sensitive to concerns about stifling global competitiveness.

— Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of stifle

Verb

The system is designed to amplify speech while using machine learning to suppress background noise.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
When the skin’s community of protective bacteria was suppressed with antibiotics, the frogs became more likely to develop signs of disease.

— Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

Located along the coast near the scenic coastal city of Yachats, the dramatic natural feature resembles a bottomless hole swallowing the Pacific Ocean.

— Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Between a courier caught in the middle of a zombie virus outbreak and a scuba diver swallowed whole by a sperm whale, both films put Abrams’ respective lead characters, Bryan and Jay, through uniquely harrowing one-man crucibles.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of swallow

Verb

The designers and brands succeeding right now appear to be those who understand how to honor history and invigorate the brand, without being held back or weighed down by legacy.

— Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
But executives have otherwise offered few details, holding back until Wednesday's event.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of hold back

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.

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choke

choke (back)

choked

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“Choke (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choke%20%28back%29. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of choke (back)

verb

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