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

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

In a Knight Foundation study, 56% of students reported believing that social media stifles free expression due to fear of being attacked. — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026

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