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

By failing to suppress a Democratic campaign ad about the scandal, the Republican Party is only calling more attention to the misuse of $10 million meant for Florida’s Medicaid program.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Critics say the changes could suppress overseas turnout; volunteers have responded with VoteBnB, matching voters with rides and places to stay near polling stations.

— Branimir Pipal, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

Bass’ barrages got to Raman more than a few times, leading her to talk over the NBC and Telemundo moderators or even shush them.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
They were repeatedly shushed instead as the Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3) fell to 13-10 in their marquee event after failing to keep pace with a USC offense that averaged nearly eight yards per play through the first three quarters.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of shush

Verb

Some areas have received enough rain to quell the risk for the rest of the season, while others probably need another soaking.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Trump is waging a campaign in the final moments of the midterm election to quell discontent among farmers, truckers and drivers exhausted by $4 gas and near-record diesel.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

Freedom eventually left the arena and portrayed the episode as an attempt to silence his views.

— Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
The level of organization is surprising, but this is a trend of Jews being portrayed in certain ways and trying to be silenced.

— Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 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

Two nurses helped subdue the actress, who was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The interplay between the vocal harmonies phasing from side to side is clear, though the upper melody sounds subdued during the track's busier sections.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Pressing the reset button will mute the alarm for one minute, and a long press (10 seconds) will reset and restart the sensor.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Shot on England’s coasts and countryside, the film favors muted costumes, no makeup and quiet, lingering scenes, presenting Austen’s young women as emotionally immediate and recognizably modern.

— Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026