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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suffocate
There was no outlet for the fire and smoke which suffocated the guests.
—
Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Cause of death: There are several causes of death because Ulric receives the nine lives of a cat: shot in the head, drowned, hanged, car crash, electrocuted, crossbow, stabbed, suffocated after burying himself alive.
Sad or satisfying?
—Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 19 May 2025
Those both feel a shade high to us, given how suffocating the Florida Panthers have been defensively and how mightily the Leafs stars have struggled.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 16 May 2025
This is especially vital in large enterprises, where AI efforts often suffocate under organizational silos.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Cause of death: There are several causes of death because Ulric receives the nine lives of a cat: shot in the head, drowned, hanged, car crash, electrocuted, crossbow, stabbed, suffocated after burying himself alive.
Sad or satisfying?
—Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 19 May 2025
Those both feel a shade high to us, given how suffocating the Florida Panthers have been defensively and how mightily the Leafs stars have struggled.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 16 May 2025
This is especially vital in large enterprises, where AI efforts often suffocate under organizational silos.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffocate
Verb
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Prosecutors say that in December 2024, Tyler strangled Bruno to death at the dog’s New Rochelle home.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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The man then strangled the dog, injuring its neck and throat, officials said.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Many of these artisans — traditionally known for their boldness and innovation — are finding ways to maintain quality and brand integrity without asking loyal customers to choke on the price.—
Gretchen Eichenberg,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
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Chia seed water can be a choking hazard, so make sure the seeds are thoroughly soaked to prevent choking.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Then, the other person came into the store and told her Jose was vomiting blood, according to the court records.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
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Without the compounds in ayahuasca that slow the breakdown of DMT in your body—or the ones that notoriously make ayahuasca drinkers vomit—the substance flashes through the brain at turbo speed.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Verb
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That’s no small feat in a world drowning in content.—
Greg Engle,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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In the film, Charles survives a plane crash, nearly drowns and is finally eaten by a shark.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Verb
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The breakfast burrito, smothered in both red and green chile, could cure anything.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 June 2025
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The algae is especially harmful to mangroves, which serve as nursery habitats, and can smother sea grasses and coral reefs, Lapointe said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Suffocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffocate. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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