Synonyms of chokes

chokes

verb

present tense third-person singular of choke

1

as in strangles

to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe

let go of my throat—you're choking me!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strangles
• throttles
• suffocates
• garrotes
• asphyxiates
• smothers
• stifles
• scrags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restores
• revives
• resuscitates

2

as in vomits

to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe

the recommended procedure for helping someone who is choking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vomits
• suffocates
• gags
• heaves
• smothers
• stifles
• retches
• throws up
• asphyxiates

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathes
• expires
• inspires
• respires

3

as in smothers

to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air

thick, black smoke choked the trapped firefighters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strangles
• smothers
• suffocates
• drowns
• stifles
• destroys
• throttles
• slays
• asphyxiates
• garrotes
• dispatches
• croaks
• fells
• does in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathes
• expires
• inspires
• inhales
• exhales
• revives
• resuscitates

4

as in blocks

to prevent passage through by filling with something

overgrown bushes choked the narrow alleyway between the buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blocks
• obstructs
• jams
• fills
• congests
• occludes
• stuffs
• clogs
• floods
• stops (up)
• plugs (up)
• clots
• packs
• gums (up)
• overwhelms
• dams
• corks
• stopples
• silts
• furs
• inundates
• bungs
• swamps
• spiles
• gridlocks
• gluts
• stoppers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• frees
• clears
• opens (up)
• unplugs
• unblocks
• unclogs
• excavates
• empties
• scoops (out)
• unstops
• lightens
• hollows (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of chokes

One boy loops his arm around the student’s neck and chokes him. — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 24 July 2026

Remove chokes from artichokes and steam in small amount of water for 15 minutes, adding water to pan as needed. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

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

Not the one who chokes in the playoffs. — Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

Democratic lawmakers aren’t particularly sympathetic to the industry, pointing to reports of soaring profits for oil companies as the war chokes consumers around the world. — Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026

In the ensuing battle, Mary is unable to run away from Howard, who then pins her down and seemingly chokes her out. — Max Gao, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

In the second season, a patient under the influence wraps his arm around a young nurse’s neck and chokes her until the charge nurse intervenes. — Jennifer Obel, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2026

Jasmine almost chokes on her corn dog when that comes out of Janet’s mouth. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2026