CHOKES (BACK) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

chokes (back)

verb

present tense third-person singular of choke (back)

as in stifles

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 chokes (back)

Verb

Perhaps her biggest challenge is combating the misconception that cystic fibrosis has been cured, which stifles investment into new treatments.

— Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Opponents argue the proposal weakens environmental protections, stifles community input and could fast-track projects like data centers and freeways.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of stifles

Verb

The highly-infectious disease has been spreading at an increasing pace as vaccination rates have fallen, eroding the herd immunity that suppresses outbreaks and protects those who can’t be immunized.

— Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2026
And not to stress anybody out further, but high cortisol suppresses your immune system and increases inflammation, both of which lead to things like quicker aging and poor long-term health outcomes.

— Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppresses

Verb

Even more so in Bates’ home of Aroostook County, which swallows some 6,700 square miles way up near the Canadian border.

— Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
In many of his shots, the big sky of Ukraine’s fields and steppe swallows the frame.

— Sophie Pinkham, The New York Review of Books, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of swallows

Verb

Eventually, though, and soon, Colorado will need to institute a new water conservation program that holds back some water for release downstream through this stretch and on toward Lake Powell when it’s most needed in summer, Holm said.

— Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Samsung traditionally holds back one color in the Galaxy S range to be a web exclusive and drive consumers to its website, although typically this is one of the standard black or grey colors.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Definition of holds back

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Browse Nearby Words

chokes

chokes (back)

chokes off

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“Chokes (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chokes%20%28back%29. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of chokes (back)

verb

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