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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking (back)

Verb

While a label like ‘woman’ has always felt stifling and strange, ‘daughter’ doesn’t carry that heaviness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
The reform plans include a potentially painful overhaul of the creaking pension system, a reduction of Germany’s stifling bureaucracy and cuts to income tax for low- and middle-income families.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of stifling

Verb

Still, there are good reasons Trump may be holding back, not least to avoid opening a potentially painful second front, just seven months after launching his damaging and ongoing conflict with Iran.

— Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
Shailene Woodley’s stylist isn’t holding back after the actress’s Emmys look caused a stir on social media.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of holding back

Verb

Shifting international conversation The new commitments come as some Haitian observers try to shift the conversation around the crisis beyond suppressing armed gangs to other challenges.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Planting fall cover crops improves soil by reducing compaction, preventing erosion, and suppressing weeds.

— Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of suppressing

Verb

Enzymes need direct contact with food to do anything, so swallowing one on an empty stomach delivers almost no benefit.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
Seven Chicago-area residents died after swallowing Tylenol capsules laced with potassium cyanide in September 1982.

— Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 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

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

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Synonyms of choking (back)

verb

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