Synonyms of stifle

stifle

verb

ˈstī-fəl 

1

as in to strangle

to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air

unfortunately, the robbers were stifled when they got trapped in the airless bank vault

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strangle
• choke
• smother
• suffocate
• drown
• destroy
• throttle
• slay
• asphyxiate
• fell
• garrote
• dispatch
• croak
• do in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathe
• inspire
• expire
• revive
• inhale
• exhale
• resuscitate

2

as in to suppress

to refrain from openly showing or uttering

stifled a yawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suppress
• swallow
• repress
• manage
• control
• smother
• strangle
• contain
• choke (back)
• hold back
• submerge
• quash
• quell
• sink
• govern
• curb
• pocket
• check
• muffle
• squelch
• bridle
• bottle up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• express
• release
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• loose

3

as in to muffle

to deaden the sound of

he stifled a cough with his hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• muffle
• mute
• insulate
• soften
• pad
• tone (down)
• dampen
• subdue
• mellow
• smother
• soundproof
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• enhance
• strengthen
• deepen
• amplify
• heighten
• unmuffle
• boost
• magnify
• step up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stifle

Likewise, inventories of unsold wine have stifled any sense of buying urgency. — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

In the early afternoon, a roar ripped through the stifling Mississippi heat, as dozens of motorcycles leading the funeral procession rumbled into the church parking lot. — Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 June 2026

Thousands of schools have been closed for days on end, and students are taking their exams in stifling classrooms. — Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

That’s where Pantelas comes in, relishing opportunities to stifle and punish opponents. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 27 June 2026