Synonyms of suffocate

suffocate

verb

ˈsə-fə-ˌkāt 

1

as in to strangle

to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air

the law requires the owner of a discarded refrigerator to remove its door so that a child won't get trapped inside and suffocate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strangle
• choke
• drown
• smother
• stifle
• destroy
• asphyxiate
• throttle
• slay
• fell
• garrote
• dispatch
• croak
• do in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathe
• inspire
• expire
• inhale
• revive
• exhale
• resuscitate

2

as in to choke

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

temporarily suffocated by the seat belt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strangle
• choke
• throttle
• asphyxiate
• smother
• garrote
• stifle
• scrag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restore
• revive
• resuscitate

3

as in to vomit

to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe

suffocating in the thick, black smoke of the burning building

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choke
• vomit
• gag
• heave
• smother
• stifle
• throw up
• asphyxiate
• retch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breathe
• inspire
• respire
• expire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of suffocate

The son then held his hands for another 20 seconds before eventually suffocating the victim. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026

And on Sunday before 70,823 at Levi’s Stadium, the unit showed the world there is room for more than one hard-hitting, suffocating defense in Seahawks history. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Both novel and opera include a scene in which Salvador Dalí almost suffocates after getting his head stuck in a scuba helmet at an art opening. —Emma Allen, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026

If one collapses, the entire city — its families, workforce and moral core — will eventually suffocate. —Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026