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 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 -
Ta’Niya Latson scored 16 and Agot Makeer added 14 points and South Carolina played stifling defense to beat Connecticut 62-48 on Friday night, ending the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak and advancing to the women’s NCAA tournament championship game.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 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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With Brooklyn’s injury list still swallowing half the rotation and the draft lottery picture tightening by the day, Liddell used Tuesday night as a personal argument.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
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When development began on Company Retreat, the news was full of stories about venture-capital firms swallowing mom-and-pop shops.—
Angelina Mazza,
Vulture,
7 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 12 Apr. 2026.
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