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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in blocking
to prevent passage through by filling with something
overgrown bushes choked the narrow alleyway between the buildings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of choking
India’s economic activity accelerated in April despite the Middle East war choking supplies of crude oil and gas, a flash survey by HSBC Holdings Plc showed Thursday.
—
Anup Roy, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
Jordan wrapped his hand around Hamlin’s neck — gently choking him — and gave him a kiss on the side of his head before walking away.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
James Ernest Hitchcock, 70, is scheduled to received a lethal injection for his conviction in the fatal beating and choking of his 13-year-old niece.
—David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Without access to the turbines, water released from the dam must flow through much smaller bypass tubes that are unsafe to use for extended periods, choking flow from one of the West’s largest water banks.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for choking
Anup Roy, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
Jordan wrapped his hand around Hamlin’s neck — gently choking him — and gave him a kiss on the side of his head before walking away.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
James Ernest Hitchcock, 70, is scheduled to received a lethal injection for his conviction in the fatal beating and choking of his 13-year-old niece.
—David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Without access to the turbines, water released from the dam must flow through much smaller bypass tubes that are unsafe to use for extended periods, choking flow from one of the West’s largest water banks.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for choking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking
Verb
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Horner told a false story about hitting the little girl with his van and then strangling her in a panic, according to testimony of the case’s lead investigator, Texas Ranger Job Espinoza.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that the blockade was strangling Iran’s economy.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If your dog is vomiting continuously, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible, The Bee reported.—
Stephanie Zappelli,
Sacbee.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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Well, not stopping at one drink, or 10, and then vomiting on Katy's foot was the answer.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In contrast to typical airline food drowning in salt and sauces, the culinary offerings aboard Aero are a delight, with meals created in partnership with Erewhon, Spago, Parm, Sadelle’s and Flora Farms along with an open bar of top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot champagne.—
Beth Landman,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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In a separate incident, two Carnival passengers also died in drowning cases at the company’s private Bahamas resort.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder has the short-area quickness, yards-after-the catch ability and run-blocking toughness that coach Kyle Shanahan craves.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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To wrap up Day 2, the Dolphins took a pair of wide receivers and an in-line blocking tight end with their three picks in the third round.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Eric Havens, 58, of Homewood, pleaded guilty to obstructing an officer in Will County court after fleeing multiple law enforcement officials in October.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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The councilmember was arrested and faces two counts of disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration, police said.—
Melissa Russo,
NBC news,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Throughout the weekend, some fans have shared videos showing audience members turning their screenings into full-on dance parties, jamming along to Jackson's classic songs in the theater.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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John Carlson recovered one shot and attempted another, jamming the puck low for Granlund.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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It’s expected that the Chargers will shift Slaughter to left guard, filling one of their most pressing needs on the second day of the three-day draft.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
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His music has spanned genres and mediums, with the composer filling various roles, but its through line is its sense of the uncanny and Lopatin’s understanding of how warping sonic textures can tap into surreality.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Choking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choking. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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