stills

verb

present tense third-person singular of still
1
as in stops
to bring (something) to a standstill it seemed as though nothing could still the fighting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in calms
to free from distress or disturbance reading a book helps me to relax and still my mind before going to bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in shushes
to stop the noise or speech of the conversation was abruptly stilled by a loud crash from the next room

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stills And stills the curiosity, communication, and debate on which any self-aware democracy depends. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stills
  1. stops
  2. calms
  3. shushes
  4. stalls
  5. composes
  6. silences
  7. catches
  8. soothes
Verb
  • Sterling that migrates from bank deposits into stablecoin reserves stops funding mortgages and business lending, and a fast-growing coin could pull deposits out of the banking system quicker than banks could adjust.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Staff would be expected to evacuate patients in the event of a major tremor, but the plan stops there, according to Bubenek.
    — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 21 July 2026
Definition of stops
Verb
  • Mayo calms some of the acidity, as does the egg, which also adds a soft, creamy texture.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • Clear your workspace before the big call, because simple structure turns care into outcomes others can see and calms jitters.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
Definition of calms
Verb
  • Before the chatter can continue, Sharon Leone (Diane Farr), the Cal Fire Division Chief and mother of Bode Leone (Max Thieriot), quickly shushes everyone and reminds them to focus.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Definition of shushes
Verb
  • Not stalls the standard 12-by-12 feet of other ranches but 14 feet square to give horses more room to move around naturally.
    — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • This process stalls improvements for years.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of stalls
Verb
  • Agent authority composes dynamically.
    — Harsh Singhal, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Each night, the chef composes a refined tasting menu, featuring two appetizers, a choice of two entrées, and a dessert.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 8 June 2026
Definition of composes
Verb
  • This fails to mention that partisan gerrymandering silences the voices of the voters in the district who deserve representation, especially voters from underrepresented groups that are disproportionately affected by these efforts.
    — Reese Ritter, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Shame shrinks us and silences our stories.
    — Carolyn O'Laughlin, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
Definition of silences
Verb
  • Thor confronts Doom but the villain catches his magical hammer and throws it aside easily.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Finding a solution to a big problem When Apgar hits, the nub catches the impact of contact while the left hand finishes the swing.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Definition of catches
Verb
  • This reduces friction, soothes your skin, and helps make the massage more comfortable.
    — Sarah Richards, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026
  • Nothing soothes the soul quite like the sun and sand — and, for some people, a giant shade canopy, indoor couch and a table decked out with flatware and a fancy meal.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of soothes

Browse Nearby Words

stillness
stills
stilly
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Cite this Entry

“Stills.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stills. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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