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
ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
—Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
An intensification of violence in Iran and the Gulf triggered a global stock selloff earlier this week, driving credit risk gauges higher and stifling primary issuance.
—Claire Ruckin, Bloomberg, 5 Mar. 2026
In winter, the air below the peaks can plunge into the Uco Valley, in a stifling zonda wind.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
But Army-Navy’s defense proved too stifling.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Sarr got things going by stifling LJ Cason’s drive, forcing a reset with Mara atop the key.
—Brendan Marks, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Polls show Americans are deeply unsatisfied with the economy, and many blame Trump’s policies for raising prices and stifling growth.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
The nonprofit later sought legal protections through a New York federal court, alleging South Dakota was stifling its ability to exercise the First Amendment.
—Dominik Dausch, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
But waning financial support, due in part to a animal rights group targeting national sponsors, has shrunk the purse while inflation is stifling young mushers trying to make a go of it.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
—Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
An intensification of violence in Iran and the Gulf triggered a global stock selloff earlier this week, driving credit risk gauges higher and stifling primary issuance.
—Claire Ruckin, Bloomberg, 5 Mar. 2026
In winter, the air below the peaks can plunge into the Uco Valley, in a stifling zonda wind.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
But Army-Navy’s defense proved too stifling.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Sarr got things going by stifling LJ Cason’s drive, forcing a reset with Mara atop the key.
—Brendan Marks, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Polls show Americans are deeply unsatisfied with the economy, and many blame Trump’s policies for raising prices and stifling growth.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
The nonprofit later sought legal protections through a New York federal court, alleging South Dakota was stifling its ability to exercise the First Amendment.
—Dominik Dausch, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifling
Adjective
-
The most appropriate action is to drive to the closest shelter available.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The virus can spread through close contact with someone who is infected, such as by sharing food or eating utensils.—
Jasmine Mendez
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
He’s charged with strangling his former chef in December.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Becky is dehydrated and delirious, but manages to nourish herself after strangling and eating a vulture that attacked her on the platform.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In my case, treatment looks like temporarily suppressing the adenomyosis with Lupron injections before attempting another embryo transfer to create the best possible environment for implantation.—
L'Oreal Thompson Payton,
SELF,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic was violently suppressing antigovernment protests across the country.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, apartments with older doors, and homes with hardwood or tile floors, this $4 draft stopper can stop the chilly air from entering, while also muffling outside noises and blocking dust, pollen, and pests.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In addition, six interchanges were reconfigured and 7 miles of noise-muffling walls were installed.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Georgia will surely be ready and focused on its home floor following two consecutive losses, but Bucky Ball and its suffocating style from a fresh A&M team will be too much for the Bulldogs.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Jan. 2026
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Justin Edmonds / Getty Images Darnold, Mike Macdonald and a suffocating defense have led the Seahawks to the big stage for the fourth time in franchise history.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Israel attacked oil depots on Sunday, igniting huge fires that smothered Tehran in thick, choking smoke, amid what residents have said is the heaviest bombing of the war so far.—
Patrick Reevell,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
This often results in a choking, snorting, or gasping sound as normal breathing resumes.—
Daniel Combs,
Verywell Health,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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However, people with swallowing issues could be in danger due to weaker muscle tone and a loss of sensory input, Duyka said.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
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Bella Hadid, however, has been bucking this trend throughout her time in Paris and beyond, largely opting for denim that highlights her footwear rather than swallowing them up.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Truth be told, the lobby café feels somewhat stuffy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Mix quilts, checks, and weathered wood for a nostalgic look that’s warm but not stuffy.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stifling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifling. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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