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

Officials had to choose between keeping schools open and sending children to equally stifling apartments. — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Some, like teasel and buckthorn, are absolutely devastating to our native ecosystems, stifling the growth of plants needed for native creatures to thrive. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Playing in the final group in stifling heat and the most wind all week, Scheffler matched the best score Sunday. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Washington also seemed to open up the playbook, with downfield passing concepts that confused Miami defensive backs and pressure packages that stifled the Dolphins offensive line. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026