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

Fresh off a walk-off loss the day before, Dave Roberts was asked about his team’s recent play and couldn’t stifle a yawn. — Katie Woo, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

On Monday, facing the stifling defense of the second-place Golden State Valkyries, Miles shot three of twelve from the field and gave up four turnovers. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Mostly sunny skies are then expected through the work week, with stifling temperatures by mid-week, the forecast shows. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026

This debate has been fiercely stifled by current politicians, including Sanae Takaichi—who is, ironically, the first female prime minister in Japanese history. — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026