Synonyms of strangles

strangles

verb

present tense third-person singular of strangle

1

as in chokes

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

• chokes
• stifles
• suffocates
• smothers
• drowns
• destroys
• throttles
• slays
• asphyxiates
• garrotes
• dispatches
• fells
• croaks
• does in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathes
• inspires
• expires
• inhales
• exhales
• revives
• resuscitates

2

as in throttles

to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe

the boy complained that he was being strangled by his tie

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chokes
• throttles
• suffocates
• garrotes
• stifles
• asphyxiates
• smothers
• scrags

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restores
• revives
• resuscitates

3

as in stifles

to refrain from openly showing or uttering

strangled a gasp of surprise upon hearing the news

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stifles
• suppresses
• swallows
• represses
• smothers
• submerges
• manages
• chokes (back)
• contains
• controls
• holds back
• pockets
• governs
• sinks
• curbs
• quells
• quashes
• checks
• muffles
• bridles
• squelches
• bottles up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expresses
• releases
• takes out
• unleashes
• looses
• vents

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of strangles

Adler said studies show that when one partner strangles another, the likelihood of a victim being killed by that partner goes up 750%. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 28 July 2026

By the end of the show, Daya’s addiction has turned her into the prison’s drug lord, and her mother strangles her during the series finale. — Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026

But the same instinct that makes a founder indispensable early is exactly what strangles the organization later. — Daria Rudnik, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Nate comes back to life and strangles Cassie in a dark green Bottega Veneta suit, then Maddy saves her. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026

Over-regulation strangles the economy! — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

Ground cover plants around trees can lead to root girdling—where the cover essentially strangles the tree, threatening its health. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026

As Iran strangles the Strait of Hormuz, countries have scrambled for alternative routes. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026

As Grace looks on in horror, her soon-to-be husband strangles Ursula and snaps her neck. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026