Synonyms of choking

choking

verb

present participle of choke

1

as in strangling

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strangling
• throttling
• suffocating
• asphyxiating
• garroting
• smothering
• stifling
• scragging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restoring
• reviving
• resuscitating

2

as in vomiting

to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe

the recommended procedure for helping someone who is choking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vomiting
• suffocating
• gagging
• heaving
• stifling
• retching
• smothering
• throwing up
• asphyxiating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathing
• respiring
• expiring
• inspiring

3

as in drowning

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

thick, black smoke choked the trapped firefighters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strangling
• drowning
• suffocating
• smothering
• stifling
• destroying
• asphyxiating
• throttling
• slaying
• garroting
• dispatching
• felling
• croaking
• doing in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathing
• inhaling
• expiring
• inspiring
• exhaling
• reviving
• resuscitating

4

as in blocking

to prevent passage through by filling with something

overgrown bushes choked the narrow alleyway between the buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blocking
• obstructing
• jamming
• filling
• clogging
• flooding
• congesting
• occluding
• stopping (up)
• plugging (up)
• gumming (up)
• clotting
• damming
• stuffing
• packing
• overwhelming
• corking
• stoppering
• silting
• bunging
• spiling
• glutting
• inundating
• swamping
• stoppling
• furring
• gridlocking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opening (up)
• freeing
• clearing
• unplugging
• unblocking
• excavating
• unstopping
• emptying
• unclogging
• scooping (out)
• hollowing (out)
• lightening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of choking

Thomas has been arrested six times in the past, most recently in 2019 for allegedly choking his wife, police sources said. — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026

Watford reportedly admitted to hitting the woman multiple times and, at one point, choking her. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026

Allan himself was visibly overcome with emotion through much of the brief news conference, his voice at times choking with pain. — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026

If someone is choking and first aid measures fail to dislodge the obstruction, call 911, the agency said. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The consistency of the food and his slower eating pace led to fewer choking incidents versus some grainier, more tempting formulas. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Once Upon a Farm is recalling all flavors of its Tractor Wheels toddler snacks over choking concerns. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 2 Nov. 2026

Lonna Drewes accused Swalwell of drugging, raping and choking her in 2018 during a news conference earlier this year. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson choking in the playoffs is also quite enjoyable. — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2026