SQUELCH Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

squelch 1 of 2

verb

ˈskwelch

Definition of squelch

as in to suppress

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force immediately squelched any signs of rebellion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to shush

to stop the noise or speech of his irritated glare squelched any other potential objectors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stir
agitate

squelch

2 of 2

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of squelch

Verb

Keeley is all optimism in the buildup to the team’s first game — merely a friendly against Hayes and Yeading, but important nonetheless — but subsequent events threaten to squelch those good feelings. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 His first response is to squelch his mutation, much like Bruce Banner keeps the Hulk in check with a handy inhibitor. — ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026

Noun

Ritchie’s raps feel pointed and specific, and even the flashier moments—electronic squelches that burst and break like an Arca production—pack a harder punch in their containment. — Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026 Poems of ‘human residue’ in a new collection Joe Hall’s poems move between a fist-pounding urgency, the fire and squelch of this moment of our endtime, and a vulnerability hushed and gentle as a nightgown on a laundry line. — Nina MacLaughlin, BostonGlobe.com, 20 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for squelch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squelch

Verb

The coating could also generate plasma, an energised gas that produces reactive molecules known to suppress bacterial growth.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
And the other, Loreen Willenburg, a Californian woman, kept the virus at bay for more than three decades without treatment — even while receiving immune-suppressing treatment for lung and brain cancer.

— Diana Kwon, Vox, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

During the shock of the absence of Miller, a proctor moved quickly forward, shushing and closing the door.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
Mitchell shushed those who’d forgotten to mute and introduced John Solomon, an ally of hers who was helping prepare the speech.

— Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of shush

Verb

Authorities also sent in the Border Guard to quell the escalating turmoil.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026
With the price of its high-yield debt climbing, CoreWeave highlighted additional routes to finance its data center build-out with less alarming yields, quelling investor concerns for the time being.

— April Roach, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

The agenda specifically bans nondisclosure agreements that would prevent data center developers from silencing members of local staff, board supervisors, planning commissions or zoning boards.

— Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
No one has the right to intimidate, threaten, or silence employees for standing up for their rights.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of silence

Noun

Her son is a carbon copy of his dad — looks like him and acts like him, particularly with his funny comments, comebacks and retorts.

— Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026
Our minds generate sharp retorts or zingers that would eviscerate or humiliate them.

— Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of retort

Verb

Our thesis hasn't entirely gone according to plan, as housing market activity remains subdued.

— Alexa LoMonaco,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Fast forward 60 years, and Washington was not interested in raising the numbers of troops necessary to subdue Iraq, a country of nearly 30 million.

— S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Slow breathing can mute the response by sending signals to parts of the brain that control your heart and blood vessels.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2026
Digging deeper into the quarter, beer category growth remains muted, partly due to the rise of GLP-1 drugs, which reduce cravings for alcohol as well as food.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2026