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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The space was stifling in the Louisiana heat, so fans were blowing for everyone inside.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025 -
Like the face-to-face collaboration benefits lost at GISS, employees fear shutting down Goddard's cafeteria will be stifling.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams isn’t holding back in his response to Andy Cohen‘s criticism during Wednesday night’s CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live special with Anderson Cooper.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Jan. 2026
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And even if the Senate and House fully fund NOAA, Sokich said the administration could continue holding back the funds.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There’s plenty to like about both veteran pitchers and reason to believe that competing in a home run-suppressing environment will allow their attributes to play up.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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Foulk argued Barrett was suppressing evidence by preventing the state from presenting certain tax returns and Illinois Department of Revenue testimony.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When To Seek Medical Care Things like fizzy drinks, overeating, or swallowing air can cause bloating.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
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Signs of botulism include difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech and muscle weakness.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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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 8 Jan. 2026.
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