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

At the same time, org leaders have squelched all internal dissent regarding Israel. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026 Gracie’s discovery is squelched and this character’s value to the play comes in establishing how institutional silence can have an equally pernicious impact on confronting social hatreds. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026

Noun

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 Finally, an electronic squelch. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 1 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for squelch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squelch

Verb

Despite not caring what happens to Eli James, Charles leads the town in trying to suppress the fire.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
While accountability matters, that environment can unintentionally suppress creativity, innovation, and professional autonomy.

— Tiffany Thenor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

His interactions with Daemon (Matt Smith) last season, going so far as to shush him at one point, were a breath of fresh air.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
As the moment unfolded, Savannah shushed the future king and even briefly placed her hand over his mouth in an effort to keep him composed.

— Staff Author, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Definition of shush

Noun

The wisecrack clearly landed with the audience, though the cameras picked up the late-night host’s face dropping.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
But Marsch laughs at a Maurice wisecrack and throws both of his palms on his shoulders to bridge the gap between them.

— Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of wisecrack

Verb

The security adjustments aren’t expected to quell Mexico’s World Cup fever.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
The people ended up burning down the house of one of the tax collectors, prompting President George Washington to raise the first federal army against them and quickly quell the revolt.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

The case has prompted widespread condemnation from Western governments and human rights organizations, which have accused Beijing of using national security laws to silence dissent.

— Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Spectators should silence their phones near the court To further reduce distractions, Wimbledon's official 2026 Ticket Holder Handbook lists cell phone rules attendees should abide by while watching matches.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Definition of silence

Noun

In a blistering retort on Instagram, Paris’ deputy mayor Audrey Pulvar stepped into the arena on Grégoire’s behalf, blasting American commentators for mocking France’s climate woes while contributing the most to global emissions.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 1 July 2026
Rob-Will's bloody-mouthed Rip retort was just as classic.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Definition of retort

Verb

Treasury market securities that investors use to price in inflation expectations are subdued.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 July 2026
For all its 120 proof, the ethanol is quite subdued, which allows sweeter (brown sugar), fruitier (figs, cherries), spicier (cinnamon), and lightly smoky aromas (BBQ sauce burnt ends) to really stand apart.

— David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

But now the state is under attack, which could mean that millions in federal dollars will be clawed back and the state’s voice muted.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
As traffic in the strait remains muted, at least 15 commercial vessels transited the waterway in the past 24 hours, according to MarineTraffic data.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of mute

Cite this Entry

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“Squelch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squelch. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of squelch

verb

noun

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