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

Perhaps her biggest challenge is combating the misconception that cystic fibrosis has been cured, which stifles investment into new treatments. — Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Opponents argue the proposal weakens environmental protections, stifles community input and could fast-track projects like data centers and freeways. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

In time, this silence erodes trust, stifles creativity and turns minor problems into serious issues. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

The altitude also plays into the Broncos’ advantage as their defense stifles De’Von Achane and company. — Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Industry consensus has long held that rigorous ESG compliance naturally stifles speed-to-market. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026

Attorneys general, including California’s Rob Bonta, allege that the transaction stifles competition across wide-release theatrical film distribution, big-budget blockbusters, and basic cable television channel licensing. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told reporters at a military testing range in Michigan that the effort will cut months and sometimes years of the red tape that typically stifles military contractors. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Landscape fabric acts as a barrier that stifles this living, dynamic process. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026