1
as in suppressed
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
immediately squelched any signs of rebellion
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Recent Examples of squelched
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
Every threat to the Guinness family has been quickly squelched, complications like Olivia’s pregnancy aside, everything seems to be going quite well, honestly.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Those plans were squelched that June.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But their removal by security personnel earlier in the morning squelched those plans, according to current and former employees.
—Mike Stobbe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Every threat to the Guinness family has been quickly squelched, complications like Olivia’s pregnancy aside, everything seems to be going quite well, honestly.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Those plans were squelched that June.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But their removal by security personnel earlier in the morning squelched those plans, according to current and former employees.
—Mike Stobbe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squelched
Verb
-
At home, the Guard’s Basij volunteer arm brutally suppressed recent nationwide protests, establishing itself as the theocracy’s primary tool for squashing dissent.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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This led organically to feelings of love for one’s Black nannies and friendship with the children of your Black live-in maids, but this warmth had to be suppressed.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Jena asked, for which she was shushed), that was spotted and strong enough to kill a man.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Brannon Martinsen complimented him with 16 points that included a couple of timely shots that quelled any momentum Harvard-Westlake was trying to build.—
Dan Lovi,
Daily News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Ultimately, any hard feelings about how the Blue Jays’ offseason panned out could be quelled by another successful World Series run next season.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But legislators should recognize that these needs can’t be silenced through negligence and deprivation.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Directors, actors, writers and musicians have been jailed, exiled or silenced simply for telling their stories or advocating for freedom.—
Maryam Lieberman,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The build has felt oddly subdued for much of the month, largely because the focus shifted toward promoting the quarterly Peacock special instead.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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All this, while equity indexes have held near record highs, corporate-debt spreads are subdued and bond-market volatility remains sleepy.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
By the mid-20th century, the mansion’s social life had quieted.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The Best Actress in a Drama winner delivered a charmingly unbothered acceptance speech, while Hamnet’s Best Drama victory quieted comparisons to Renée Zellweger’s Judy season.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Without transparent, timely data, public attention has been muted, and coordination across CPS, the city and community partners has been more difficult than this moment demands.—
Daniel Anello,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Still, sometimes the songs feel like they’re trapped in amber, with emotion muted and songwriting that verges on repetitive.—
Vrinda Jagota,
Pitchfork,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Immediately, his teacher hushed him.—
Sana Noor Haq,
CNN Money,
23 Jan. 2026
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Egregiously, Michelin stars were never meant for taco stands — not in the modern era when the guide’s definition of greatness has so often meant white tablecloths, hushed dining rooms and pricey tasting menus.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squelched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squelched. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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