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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke (back)

Verb

The openness was in stark contrast to the defensive, tactical precision and gnawing tension that make the matches surrounding this one so captivating, but which can stifle some of sport’s beauty and brilliance.

— Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Party leaders, Wangchuk’s wife and supporters accuse authorities of ‘abducting’ him to stifle a growing protest movement, as police flood main protest with barricades and paramilitary forces.

— Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of stifle

Verb

Air rises above the now warmer Pacific, then sinks down over parts of the western Atlantic basin, helping suppress the storms that could grow into a tropical system.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
The Nazis also took more active measures to suppress the film.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

Chewing involves biting or gnawing without necessarily swallowing.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Among our favorites are Quince’s airy linen midiskirt (available in petite sizes) and Abercrombie & Fitch’s high-rise cotton midi, which has a flowy silhouette that feels light without swallowing a shorter frame.

— Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 July 2026

Definition of swallow

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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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of choke (back)

verb

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