as in close
lacking fresh air
the lecture hall was stifling until we opened several windows
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in strangling
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in suppressing
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
stifled a yawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in muffling
to deaden the sound of
he stifled a cough with his hand
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stifling
Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Like the face-to-face collaboration benefits lost at GISS, employees fear shutting down Goddard's cafeteria will be stifling.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Suárez could be awfully effective in San Francisco with the marine layer stifling deep fly balls on chilly nights by the bay.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
The objection was to stay compact in central areas, as well as stifling any passes into Gravenberch, who is crucial to Liverpool’s early build-up.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Cocoa and coffee prices, which have been pushed higher by climate change stifling supply, now face further pressures from tariffs.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
The air was clammy and stifling.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
There was one stifling stretch — during the thick of summer, for instance — when Charlotte had to play eight of 10 MLS regular-season matches on the road.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
The Dodgers proved as much with a stifling performance to shut down the Milwaukee Brewers in a four-game sweep in the National League Championship Series.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
The space was stifling in the Louisiana heat, so fans were blowing for everyone inside.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Like the face-to-face collaboration benefits lost at GISS, employees fear shutting down Goddard's cafeteria will be stifling.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Suárez could be awfully effective in San Francisco with the marine layer stifling deep fly balls on chilly nights by the bay.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
The objection was to stay compact in central areas, as well as stifling any passes into Gravenberch, who is crucial to Liverpool’s early build-up.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Cocoa and coffee prices, which have been pushed higher by climate change stifling supply, now face further pressures from tariffs.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
The air was clammy and stifling.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
There was one stifling stretch — during the thick of summer, for instance — when Charlotte had to play eight of 10 MLS regular-season matches on the road.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
The Dodgers proved as much with a stifling performance to shut down the Milwaukee Brewers in a four-game sweep in the National League Championship Series.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifling
Adjective
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Even as American political polarization has intensified over the last eight years, both Republicans and Democrats have agreed that an increasingly powerful Beijing poses an economic, technological, and security threat to Washington and its close allies.—
Mira Rapp-Hooper,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
-
On the series, JD and Michelle have grown closer, but in real life, Todd is married to Jordan Wilcox Lasance.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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China, in turn, imposed new strangling restrictions on the export of seven rare earth minerals.—
Mira Rapp-Hooper,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Prosecutors accuse Haile of strangling Kathleen Carrig, then setting fire to their apartment with gasoline, the outlet reported.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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However, IUDs primarily work by suppressing the release of eggs, or by preventing sperm from reaching an egg.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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According to unrebutted scientific research, males have up to a 64% strength advantage in powerlifting and suppressing testosterone only reduces the advantage by about 10%.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Money floods into affected districts, muffling outrage precisely when constituents are most enraged.—
John J. Donohue,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The music, which ranges from Motown to '80s alternative, enlivens the room without muffling conversations.—
Keith Pandolfi,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Doors and windows were locked, producing a suffocating effect in the hot weather.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
-
For Perrie Edwards, the studio can be both a sanctuary and a suffocating cocoon.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Aneesha reacts instantly, tackling Verna to the ground and choking her.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
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Instead, Lane attacked Wilkins, choking her into unconsciousness and cutting open her womb.—
Jillian Frankel,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Staying hydrated is the most important part of care, since mouth sores can make swallowing painful and dehydration can develop quickly in young children.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
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These symptoms include rash, itching, respiratory trouble, swollen tongue, trouble swallowing and chest tightness.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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More wearable than the Met Gala but less stuffy than the Oscars, the Vogue World dress code leaves room for some playful, riskier looks.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
27 Oct. 2025
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While the flu is traditionally associated with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache and fatigue, children and adults alike can experience moderate to severe complications.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stifling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifling. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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