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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suffocate
Your routine should support your dreams, not suffocate them.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
This was the old Magic — the nasty, physical, suffocating defensive team that made every possession feel like work.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026
Ensure direct contact because these products work by suffocating them, says Harvell.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
The stiff feel, plus the suffocating heat of spring and summer in NYC, is a recipe for disaster.
—Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
This was the old Magic — the nasty, physical, suffocating defensive team that made every possession feel like work.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026
Ensure direct contact because these products work by suffocating them, says Harvell.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
The stiff feel, plus the suffocating heat of spring and summer in NYC, is a recipe for disaster.
—Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffocate
Verb
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An autopsy determined the woman had been strangled and her death was ruled a homicide.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Since arriving on the scene almost a decade ago, the trio have presented themselves as firebrands, ready to stick it to an establishment seeking to strangle the last remnants of 20th century Irish republicanism.—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The zipper slider on the bear's side pouch can detach, possibly causing a risk of serious injury or death from a choking hazard to children, per the notice.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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Authorities said the woman was assaulted in her bedroom and that the man also attempted to choke her.—
Frederick Sutton Sinclair,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Coco Gauff has advanced to the fourth round of the Madrid Open despite falling ill and vomiting on court.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Luke Sapolu testified that Pulido vomited while in custody hours before the attack.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Idahoans are drowning in an increasing cost of living, rising taxes and out of control healthcare costs.—
Kevin Fixler
May 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
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In another incident on Friday evening, a 32-year-old woman drowned in Daytona Beach after she was caught in a rip current north of Main Street Pier, according to Volusia County Beach Safety.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Logan Stankoven scored twice to continue his postseason tear and the Carolina Hurricanes smothered the Philadelphia Flyers in a 3-0 victory Saturday night to open the second-round series.—
Frederick Sutton Sinclair,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
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Then there is the matter of which stories receive oxygen and which ones are smothered with a decorative pillow.—
Larry Clifton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Suffocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffocate. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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