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 space was stifling in the Louisiana heat, so fans were blowing for everyone inside.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025 -
Like the face-to-face collaboration benefits lost at GISS, employees fear shutting down Goddard's cafeteria will be stifling.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And even if the Senate and House fully fund NOAA, Sokich said the administration could continue holding back the funds.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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Honest conversations are also unavoidable, especially for those of you who have been holding back your true feelings.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As Charlotte explains, barely suppressing her resentment, Leroy is concerned that her commitment to the cause could stall his ascent at work.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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The damage from Biden’s inner circle suppressing her achievements and letting negative narratives run wild was done.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When To Seek Medical Care Things like fizzy drinks, overeating, or swallowing air can cause bloating.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
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Signs of botulism include difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech and muscle weakness.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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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 Nov. 2025.
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