as in stifling
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking (back)
Verb
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Pushing the pace on offense and stifling the Sharks with defense, Arizona went up by double digits in the opening minutes and led the Sharks by 27 in the first half while delighting the thousands of fans who filled Viejas Arena with red.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026 -
Oettinger, who was Team USA’s backup goalie in their run to the gold medal last month, ranged from steady to spectacular in stifling the Wild.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These two characters have been holding back all season and not talking to each other, and this was the moment to let everything out.—
William Earl,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
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Claire, holding back tears, attempts CPR.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Once the expiry passes, the forces suppressing volatility will recede — leaving macroeconomics and geopolitics firmly back in control.—
Sidhartha Shukla,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
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The TriForce 40mm drivers deliver a dynamic listening experience with exceptional highs and deep lows, while the detachable HyperClear Cardioid mic ensures your voice is crystal clear by suppressing background noise.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When a pet bites into the plant, those crystals embed in mouth tissue, which explains why oral irritation and swallowing difficulty are the primary symptoms.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Mar. 2026
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If these patterns appear regularly, a medical evaluation can help identify whether swallowing changes are involved.—
Sundeep Venkatesan,
The Conversation,
23 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Choking (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choking%20%28back%29. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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