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

Detroit will get its yards and points — even against Brian Flores’ stifling defense. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Critics say the law, which Hong Kong and Chinese officials say was necessary to restore stability, has been used to stifle dissent in the former British colony. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026

Instead, Netanyahu’s governing style has stifled robust debate on national security questions and lined up Israel’s defense leadership behind the prime minister’s own uncompromising worldview that favors continuous reliance on military force. — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026

Will the Brewers bullpen once again stifle these Rays hitters? — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026