Synonyms of squelched

squelched

verb

past tense of squelch

1

as in suppressed

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force

immediately squelched any signs of rebellion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suppressed
• quelled
• subdued
• quashed
• stifled
• repressed
• silenced
• squashed
• crushed
• sat on
• destroyed
• extinguished
• overcame
• snuffed (out)
• slapped down
• clamped down (on)
• cracked down (on)
• throttled
• demolished
• put down
• quenched
• smothered
• obliterated
• ruined
• decimated
• doused
• dominated
• strangled
• wrecked
• annihilated
• wasted
• wiped out
• exterminated
• vanquished
• overwhelmed
• smashed
• conquered
• put out
• subjugated
• devastated
• overpowered
• nuked
• desolated
• rubbed out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• supported
• helped
• assisted
• aided
• backed
• stirred
• provoked
• abetted
• instigated
• encouraged
• promoted
• propped up
• whipped (up)
• fostered
• cultivated
• incited
• forwarded
• nurtured
• advanced
• fomented
• furthered
• nourished

2

as in shushed

to stop the noise or speech of

his irritated glare squelched any other potential objectors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shushed
• silenced
• quieted
• muted
• hushed
• settled
• quelled
• stilled
• extinguished
• shut up
• quietened
• dumbed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stirred
• agitated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of squelched

The last major pro-democracy movement was squelched in 2018, when police and pro-government paramilitary groups killed 362 protesters in what the United Nations said amounted to crimes against humanity. — Ismael López, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

Unfortunately, in 2026, peak activity will coincide with full moon, so most of these streaks will likely be squelched by bright moonlight. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 18 July 2026

For a century, since successive Red Scares squelched socialism in this country, the left has been in a defensive crouch. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

With five miles of walls and hundreds of cannons guarding the harbor, Suomenlinna squelched the Russian threat (at least for the time being). — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026

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

As a result, the close relationship that Izquierdo’s Oscar could and should be building with his audience gets squelched by too much clutter. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

The Blacklist happened, livelihoods were ruined, and freedom of thought was squelched for years as Americans were pushed into a corner of fear and anger. — Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025