CHOKING (BACK) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

choking (back)

verb

Definition of choking (back)

present participle of choke (back)

as in stifling

to refrain from openly showing or uttering choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking (back)

Verb

With the city hall's toilets out of order, officials erected emergency toilets over sewer manholes outside the building, in temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and stifling humidity.

— USA Today, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Temperatures Friday were due to rise to 36 C (97 F) in Kumamoto city, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, after stifling 35 C (95 F) heat on Thursday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of stifling

Verb

The selloff in chip stocks and AI-beneficiaries was holding back the market’s attempt at a rally.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Speculation swirled in March and April that the Mets were holding back to take advantage of dynamic pricing during a hopeful second-half pennant chase.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of holding back

Verb

Jokes about Modi were rare during earlier protests, when his government was criticized for suppressing dissent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
The idea is to enable riders to accelerate earlier and utilize more of the motorcycle’s capabilities when traction gets erratic rather than just suppressing wheelspin.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026

Definition of suppressing

Verb

If there is swelling spreading well beyond the bite, a rash breaking out elsewhere on your body, or any trouble breathing or swallowing, treat that as an emergency and get medical help right away.

— Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026
Depending on how much toxin was consumed, symptoms may start within a few hours and may include trouble swallowing, speaking and breathing, nausea and blurred vision.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Definition of swallowing

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Browse Nearby Words

choking

choking (back)

choking off

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“Choking (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choking%20%28back%29. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of choking (back)

verb

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