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
Leanna Renee Hieber, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
The Real Betis players seemed intent on stifling his influence by kicking him, with Anderson fouled five times — as many as any other player.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
For its part, the Kremlin Monday accused Moldovan authorities of stifling the opposition’s support, alleging there were too few polling stations for Moldovans living in Russia.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
That push-and-pull has often forced officials to walk a fine line of calling for change but stifling talk of gun control.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
The Justice Department contends a breakup would be the most effective and quickest way to undercut a monopoly that has been stifling competition and innovation for years.
—Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
In junior tournaments, there can be stifling pressure on kids as young as 8.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
That came as the daytime talk show did not address the Kimmel controversy last week, leading to some speculation that ABC was stifling the discussion.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
Cleveland possesses a very dangerous defense, and that was on full display, stifling the strong Packers offense through most of the game.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
During her run as a privateering vessel, the Dash and other ships like her were regarded as a sort of sea militia working for the United States against a stifling British blockade of New England ports.
—Leanna Renee Hieber, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
The Real Betis players seemed intent on stifling his influence by kicking him, with Anderson fouled five times — as many as any other player.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
For its part, the Kremlin Monday accused Moldovan authorities of stifling the opposition’s support, alleging there were too few polling stations for Moldovans living in Russia.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
That push-and-pull has often forced officials to walk a fine line of calling for change but stifling talk of gun control.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
The Justice Department contends a breakup would be the most effective and quickest way to undercut a monopoly that has been stifling competition and innovation for years.
—Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
In junior tournaments, there can be stifling pressure on kids as young as 8.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
That came as the daytime talk show did not address the Kimmel controversy last week, leading to some speculation that ABC was stifling the discussion.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
Cleveland possesses a very dangerous defense, and that was on full display, stifling the strong Packers offense through most of the game.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifling
Adjective
-
Trump has previously suggested a deal was close.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The trainer visits Pegasus daily and is like the horse’s shadow during hospital visits, keeping a close eye to ensure the safety of Pegasus and those around him.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In other parts of the world, political violence grips countries after every change in leadership, strangling their nation, and putting lives at risk every day.—
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
He is accused of also routinely strangling her during assaults.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Defensively, Matt Roy, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Martin Fehervary all excel at suppressing chances, complementing the team’s two star defenders well.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
China has manipulated the market by suppressing prices to drive Western competition from the market, said Ryan Castilloux, founder of Adamas Intelligence, a critical mineral market research firm.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 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
-
For Perrie Edwards, the studio can be both a sanctuary and a suffocating cocoon.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Their pass rush is suffocating and multi-faceted — Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard alone might be dominant enough to make Minnesota a top-10 defense in spite of a less talented secondary.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Foreign material in food products presents health risks, including choking, damage to teeth and digestive tract injury.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Baltimore led Buffalo by 15 points with four minutes to go Sunday night before choking away a 41-40 loss in what became an instant classic.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Nearly 3,000 growing chasms have opened up in dozens of towns, swallowing up roads and houses in their path.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Oct. 2025
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The little girl also had trouble swallowing for a couple of days afterward, her mother said.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While this type of furniture can lend itself to a room feeling stiff and stuffy, The Douglas’ rooms feel lived in and inviting.—
Elliott Harrell,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
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Office chairs can so often feel stuffy and stiff, but in textured boucle?—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stifling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifling. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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