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 order also states that the government may suspend or ban state contracts with AI companies that violate existing civil liberties, such as stifling freedom of speech or engaging in surveillance.—
Richard Sill,
Oc Register,
14 Apr. 2026 -
The Gamecocks played stifling defense to knock off UConn 62-48 and end the defending champion Huskies’ 54-game winning streak in the Final Four on Friday night.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As each mourner spoke, some holding back tears and others sobbing, Metayer’s family watched in loving silence.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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Moss is low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and can thrive in various environments, benefiting gardens by controlling erosion and suppressing weeds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
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Echinacea may interact with caffeine and immune-suppressing medications, though more research is needed to confirm this.—
Megan Nunn,
Verywell Health,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In February, Weber voluntarily recalled 3 million brushes after at least 38 reports of small wire bristles breaking, including four reports of consumers swallowing bristles.—
Carolyn Gusoff,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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The notion of the swaggering state swallowing a chunk of its resistant neighbor is completely far-fetched.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 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 18 Apr. 2026.
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