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
The purpose of antitrust was to prevent companies from getting too large by taking over companies and swallowing them up and thwarting competition. — John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026 Worsening throat pain with trouble swallowing, opening your mouth, or speaking normally also warrants prompt evaluation. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
Like swallows returning home, more than 100,000 Penn State faithful flock to the fields surrounding Beaver Stadium six times a fall. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 As climate chaos causes oceans to swallow coastlands, and as surging water displaces and devastates communities, social survival will demand that people find ways to live and work with – and on – the water. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 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
  • Allowing tea to cool until it can be sipped comfortably can prevent burns and could help preserve its potential cardiovascular benefits.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • During my stay some visitors curled up on the couches against the evening desert chill, sipping hot drinks spiked with Amarula, a South African liqueur, surrounded by flickering candles.
    — Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of sip
Verb
  • Brown was part of stifling a KC law that was going to protect against housing discrimination on the basis of income source or criminal history in 2025.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Studies have shown that countries with stronger IP systems tend to be more innovative, while weaker IP systems may stifle innovation.
    — Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stifle
Verb
  • Fennel believes the Halifax team may eventually pin its estimate to within 10 percent.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Hulu series also stars Sam Nivola as a teenager who awakens from a coma after an accident believing his mother (Britton) is an impostor.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of believe
Noun
  • Atkinson’s gift for galloping plot, as well as her typical attention to even the most tertiary character, make this a delicious gulp of a read.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Kenzo leaned back so that his bobbing Adam’s apple was visible, and drank it down in one gulp.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of gulp
Verb
  • Microbes began chewing and spewing, transforming the chemistry of oceans and rocks.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Tooth enamel is the tough outer coating that shields your teeth from chewing, acids, temperature swings and daily wear.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of chew
Verb
  • By failing to suppress a Democratic campaign ad about the scandal, the Republican Party is only calling more attention to the misuse of $10 million meant for Florida’s Medicaid program.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Critics say the changes could suppress overseas turnout; volunteers have responded with VoteBnB, matching voters with rides and places to stay near polling stations.
    — Branimir Pipal, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of suppress
Verb
  • Allen took only two dribbles — one before midcourt and one after — gathered his feet, and pulled up from the left side of the arc.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Revell said that no arrests had yet been made, nor anyone taken into custody, but that police believed one shooter was involved.
    — Samantha Cookinham, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • The beverage lineup includes espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, cold and hot coffee, and specialty seasonal drinks.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • How to practice hygge at home Try curling up with a book, a soft blanket, cozy socks and a hot drink on a cold weekend.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swallow

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