swallow 1 of 2

verb

Definition of swallownext
1
as in to sip
to take into the stomach through the mouth and throat try not to swallow the toothpaste

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering swallowed his pride and asked for help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to believe
to regard as right or true my little niece swallows everything I tell her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

swallow

2 of 2

noun

as in sip
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time drank the cool refreshing water in two swallows and held out her cup for more

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of swallow
Verb
Anticipating the same vast shifts, Disney swallowed up most of Fox's Hollywood holdings in 2019. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 13 July 2026 But consider the cost in tongue-biting and principle-swallowing this entails. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 July 2026
Noun
In April, hundreds of viewers watched the two-week-old eaglet swallow a fishhook that one of its parents had fed it. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 25 June 2026 Birds such as swifts, swallows, sparrows, and starlings, which make their nests in the eaves of roofs, have been particularly affected by abnormally high temperatures, said Romaine de Jaegere, founder of the Center for the Rehabilitation of Animals Living in the Wild refuge in Temploux, in Belgium. — Makini Brice, USA Today, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for swallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swallow
  1. sip
  2. stifle
  3. believe
  4. gulp
  5. chew
  6. suppress
  7. take
  8. drink
Verb
  • The natural sweetness of the rum’s grade A molasses will require less sugar, and the structure that comes with age may inspire you to sip this one in the evening at sundown when the temperatures dip, rather than midday poolside.
    — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Visitors to the foothills growing region have the chance to pick fresh fruits, try brand-new pizza creations and sip on estate wines all summer.
    — Camila Pedrosa July 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of sip
Verb
  • Cubans strolled along el Paseo del Prado promenade in the inky night, desperate to escape the stifling heat of their homes.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The outages come as some areas are expected to experience severe weather and stifling heat again on Saturday.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Definition of stifle
Verb
  • Wardlaw, a homeless man who prosecutors said frequently slept on the Greenbelt and believed people on scooters were after him, was held in custody without bond.
    — Carolyn Komatsoulis Updated July 13, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026
  • Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood), who co-wrote the legislation that expanded the film and television tax credit, says that the cap appears to have been an oversight, and that members believed the film program was exempt.
    — Gio Insignares, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of believe
Noun
  • Cradled in her arms, the newborn suckles eagerly, its tiny paws paddling the air with every gulp.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Given the construction of the bracket, any African team that has its eye on a quarterfinals bid will likely have to push through the likes of Argentina (gulp) or England (woof), France (le woof) or Spain (yipes).
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of gulp
Verb
  • Savoring a moment, extending a meal past five minutes and chewing with attention aren’t dramatic overhauls.
    — Allison Palmer July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • It's understood that 50 percent of digestion begins in the mouth, so guests are encouraged to chew for much longer than comes naturally.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of chew
Verb
  • Despite not caring what happens to Eli James, Charles leads the town in trying to suppress the fire.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
  • While accountability matters, that environment can unintentionally suppress creativity, innovation, and professional autonomy.
    — Tiffany Thenor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of suppress
Verb
  • Asking for help is a sign of strength, and taking that first step can put you on the path to feeling better.
    — Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • Medically assisted suicide generally involves a patient voluntarily taking lethal medication prescribed by a doctor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • Charlotte is having drinks at the hotel bar with a couple of colleagues when Sugar confronts her.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • The dessert chain has an expansive menu that includes cakes, crêpes, freshly made Belgium waffles, funnel cakes and hot and iced drinks.
    — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
Definition of drink

Browse Nearby Words

swales
swallow
swallowable
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Cite this Entry

“Swallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swallow. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on swallow

Nglish: Translation of swallow for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swallow

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