1
as in to choke
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
the gull got tangled in a piece of fishing line on the beach and was strangled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
strangled a gasp of surprise upon hearing the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 strangle
At one point, her former sweetheart tried to leap from his chair to strangle her.
—
Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
Tania Thomas, 47, was strangled to death in July 2024 during a multi-day conjugal visit with husband Anthony Desean Curry.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Or Mario Aaron Newsome, who strangled both his mother and grandmother.
—Brian W Jones, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
Progressives say Connecticut has over-corrected for past fiscal mistakes, saving excessively and strangling core programs, even in times of high inflation or shrinking federal aid.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for strangle
Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
Tania Thomas, 47, was strangled to death in July 2024 during a multi-day conjugal visit with husband Anthony Desean Curry.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Or Mario Aaron Newsome, who strangled both his mother and grandmother.
—Brian W Jones, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
Progressives say Connecticut has over-corrected for past fiscal mistakes, saving excessively and strangling core programs, even in times of high inflation or shrinking federal aid.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for strangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strangle
Verb
-
The District Attorney’s Office also said that in the year before her death, Brendan Doyle choked his mother in order to force her to write him two checks totaling $1,000.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 July 2025
-
Trying to dislodge it, the rostrum punched through the gills, impaling the animal, dragging it down and slowly choking it to death.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar.—
Mike Dunleavy,
New York Daily News,
14 July 2025
-
While luck will favor some and stifle others, here are a few tips on how join the first group: Be Loyal: Elite status with an airline can work wonders.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Heavy clay and soggy soil can suffocate hydrangea roots and lead to root rot, eventually ending with the demise of your plant.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
-
However, when the temperatures push past 80 degrees, those rich, enveloping sweet notes can feel suffocating.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
21 July 2025
Verb
-
Sandra Lynn Hemme filed the suit Thursday, which accuses investigators of fabricating evidence, coercing a false confession and suppressing evidence that could have proven her innocence.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
-
Past research, Jansen notes, has found that cannabis can suppress the immune system through its active compounds: CBD, THC and other minor cannabinoids.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Instead, bruising inside Aria’s cheeks and cuts in her mouth consistent with being smothered to death were discovered, said Dr. Tran.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 July 2025
-
This lightweight leave-in conditioner is designed for all curl types, from loose waves to coily textures, and hydrates without adding a smothering layer of buildup.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Travelers should also observe strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing and avoiding individuals with symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or fever.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
-
Most infections occur when people swallow contaminated water or get it in an open wound.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
The tragedy comes after a German man, 54, also drowned on Tuesday at Cap de Sant Pere de Cambrils beach, near Llarga beach, bringing Catalan beaches’ fatalities to 16 since June 15, according to the BBC.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
31 July 2025
-
Social media influencer Emilie Kiser does not want the public to see what led Chandler police to recommend a criminal charge against her husband in the drowning death of their 3-year-old son, according to a new court filing.—
Elena Santa Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strangle. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share