Synonyms of stifles

stifles

verb

present tense third-person singular of stifle

1

as in strangles

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

• strangles
• chokes
• smothers
• suffocates
• drowns
• destroys
• throttles
• slays
• asphyxiates
• garrotes
• dispatches
• fells
• croaks
• does in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inspires
• breathes
• expires
• inhales
• exhales
• revives
• resuscitates

2

as in suppresses

to refrain from openly showing or uttering

stifled a yawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suppresses
• swallows
• represses
• smothers
• strangles
• manages
• controls
• contains
• submerges
• chokes (back)
• holds back
• pockets
• governs
• quells
• sinks
• curbs
• quashes
• muffles
• checks
• squelches
• bridles
• bottles up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expresses
• releases
• takes out
• unleashes
• looses
• vents

3

as in muffles

to deaden the sound of

he stifled a cough with his hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• muffles
• mutes
• insulates
• softens
• tones (down)
• dampens
• pads
• subdues
• mellows
• soundproofs
• baffles
• smothers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increases
• enhances
• strengthens
• deepens
• heightens
• amplifies
• boosts
• unmuffles
• magnifies
• steps up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stifles

Vicki Phillips challenges the notion that AI inherently stifles creativity. — Vicki Phillips, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

That stifles competition at home and, with China’s dependence on global consumption, raises concerns about dumping and deflation abroad. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 May 2026

Balance the state budget and tackle affordability while working with cities to promote small businesses to hire more by creating a business friendly environment such as cutting taxes and cutting red tape that stifles growth. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Conversely, destructive energy hinders performance, breeds resentment, and stifles innovation. — Rebecca Ahmed, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026

Overregulation stifles business, regardless of industry. — John Cleveland, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

Critics say that trademarking the name of a common business model stifles the still-nascent heirloom and specialty beans market — a growing community of companies, farmers and influencers trying to increase consumption of beans, one of the most climate- and health-friendly foods around. — Tara Duggan, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026

Nothing stifles a good time like being stressed about what is going on at home without any way to intervene. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

Some parents have no issue monitoring and restricting how kids are using social media, AI chat bots, and even texting apps to keep them safe, while others worry too much oversight is an invasion of privacy and stifles their child's ability to develop independence. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 26 Feb. 2026