choking (back)

verb

Definition of choking (back)next
present participle of choke (back)
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)
  1. stifling
  2. holding back
  3. suppressing
  4. swallowing
Verb
  • This prompted backlash from critics, who felt that the platforms were stifling free speech or putting their thumb on the scale politically.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The recurring power outages combined with the stifling heat have created collective insomnia on the island as residents struggle to get through the night.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of stifling
Verb
  • Forty-five percent cite fear of becoming replaceable as their reason for holding back, and only 16% believe their company is adopting AI for genuine business value rather than hype or competitive pressure.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • The selloff in chip stocks and AI-beneficiaries was holding back the market’s attempt at a rally.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of holding back
Verb
  • Mukhopadhyay said the minister’s resignation has made people less fearful of protesting against a government that critics have long accused of suppressing dissent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Saharan Dust Saharan dust is another factor suppressing activity.
    — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of suppressing
Verb
  • Those who don’t like swallowing pills will appreciate these tasty saffron gummy supplements.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Their father devoured his meal, slurping up soup with his right hand and swallowing bread spread with miso paste with his left.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of swallowing
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

choking
choking (back)
choking off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Choking (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choking%20%28back%29. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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