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

Conceding only one goal in seven matches, their whole-team pressing and tight-marking strategy has suffocated opponents, notably neutralizing Kylian Mbappe in their 2-0 semi-final win over France. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

More than 43 countries have called for a moratorium or ban on deep sea mining, which scientists have warned could unleash noise, light and suffocating dust storms and affect fragile marine life. — Dánica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

The compressive fabric creates a smoothing effect that doesn’t feel suffocating and the 7/8 length is perfect for my petite height since the bottoms don’t scrunch up at the ankles. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 17 July 2026

The normally fluid attack of the World Cup betting favorites was suffocated by a Spanish side whose midfield dominated. — Miami Herald, 16 July 2026