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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to suppress
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
stifled a yawn
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stifle
The potential for higher interest rates can stifle future spending and hurt prices for investments.
—
Damian J. Troise,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Candor, without the balance of Humility, Temperance, and Collaboration, risks hardening into rigidity, creating blind spots and stifling relationships.
—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
As a result, a small number of corporations can – and do – suppress competition in the seed industry, stifle innovation and turn taxpayer subsidies intended for farmers into corporate profits.
—
Julie Dawson,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle worried that putting such limits in place would stifle the creation of new housing.
—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Damian J. Troise,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Candor, without the balance of Humility, Temperance, and Collaboration, risks hardening into rigidity, creating blind spots and stifling relationships.
—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
As a result, a small number of corporations can – and do – suppress competition in the seed industry, stifle innovation and turn taxpayer subsidies intended for farmers into corporate profits.
—
Julie Dawson,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle worried that putting such limits in place would stifle the creation of new housing.
—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifle
Verb
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The empress returns to her chambers to weep, only to be strangled by a eunuch under the noble consort’s orders.
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The warning is the second issued by UCSB police since May, when an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a Sigma Pi fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.
Verb
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Things like trying to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney's Office, trying to get some of the evidence suppressed, trying to get a contempt order because the prosecutors violated the court's gag order.
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One key group that appeared to be suppressed, Prevotella species, may interfere with the production of nitric oxide.
Verb
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As a further precaution, consider adding background noise, like the TV or a white noise machine, to help muffle the sounds.
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Missing crucial orders because a voice is muffled, or struggling to pull out an emergency fire shelter because a mask is in the way, could be the difference between life and death.
Verb
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The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries, stalling Russia's efforts on the battlefield, Western officials and analysts say, and heaped pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Remove chokes from artichokes and steam in small amount of water for 15 minutes, adding water to pan as needed.
Verb
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The product, used to manage swallowing difficulties, might cause NEC, the FDA said.
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Selling now and realizing a 40% loss is a difficult pill to swallow.
Verb
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Raquel got the early advantage and smothered Maxxine in the corner.
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Whether they’re smothered in pepper jelly, doused in barbecue sauce, or wrapped in bacon, appetizers are your chance to set the tone and impress your guests (because, let’s face it, nothing beats the satisfaction of compliments on your spread).
Verb
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Typically, ghosts show up in literature when something that has been repressed escapes and becomes everyone’s problem.
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In his car, Lestat is no longer able to repress his memories after having opened the floodgates.
Verb
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The pure, post-Bee Gees charisma Bellamy mustered in the 2000s seems to have vacated him entirely, and the song’s funkiness suffocates under the flatness of his delivery.
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Planting the root flare too deep can suffocate the roots, causing disease.
Cite this Entry
“Stifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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