squelches 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of squelch
1
as in suppresses
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force immediately squelched any signs of rebellion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shushes
to stop the noise or speech of his irritated glare squelched any other potential objectors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

squelches

2 of 2

noun

plural of squelch
as in wisecracks

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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 squelches
Verb
This also squelches any storm activity, and heat domes can act like detour signs in the atmosphere, rerouting storms around them. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squelches
  1. suppresses
  2. shushes
  3. wisecracks
  4. quells
  5. silences
  6. witticisms
  7. subdues
  8. quiets
Verb
  • The highly-infectious disease has been spreading at an increasing pace as vaccination rates have fallen, eroding the herd immunity that suppresses outbreaks and protects those who can’t be immunized.
    — Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2026
  • And not to stress anybody out further, but high cortisol suppresses your immune system and increases inflammation, both of which lead to things like quicker aging and poor long-term health outcomes.
    — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of suppresses
Verb
  • Before the chatter can continue, Sharon Leone (Diane Farr), the Cal Fire Division Chief and mother of Bode Leone (Max Thieriot), quickly shushes everyone and reminds them to focus.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Definition of shushes
Noun
  • To Saubert, though, Fleury stands out much more for his skill than his opportune wisecracks.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Parton was a master at meeting wisecracks about her shapely figure with her own one-liners.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wisecracks
Verb
  • So playing Blackjack at home quells some of their desire to do something catastrophic.
    — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Powered by chemical agents, this provides apt UV protection while hyaluronic acid improves hydration levels, niacinamide quells inflammation, and allantoin keeps skin soothed.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of quells
Verb
  • Obialo silences certain layers while modulating others, nestling rhythms like honeycombs.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Burke almost silences Cleveland's bats Burke came on with one out in the third.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of silences
Noun
  • The lovely, economic scenic design by Angela Balogh Calin graciously makes room for the play’s wall-to-wall witticisms, but the house is meant to symbolize the ship of state drifting dangerously toward the rocks.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Definition of witticisms
Verb
  • In person, Huang subdues his ironic braggadocio with polite eye contact and rolling belly laughs at his own jokes.
    — Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • El Nino also subdues the hurricane season in the Atlantic because there is so much heat in the Pacific that outcompetes the Atlantic, Berardelli added.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Definition of subdues
Verb
  • Their Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation effectively quiets daily transit hums and crowded office chatter, while custom 40mm drivers pump out rich acoustics backed by customizable Ultra Bass tuning.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Boos or not, the new GM has to decide on the best course of action for the present and future of the franchise, not just the one that quiets things down the quickest.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiets

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Cite this Entry

“Squelches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squelches. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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