throttle

verb

ˈthrä-tᵊl How to pronounce throttle (audio)
Definition of throttlenext
as in to choke
to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe I was so angry at what he was saying that I could have throttled him!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 throttle Mastering the laws of the parking lot can’t possibly prepare you for the throttling speed and amoral violence of the road beyond. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 His comments follow a World Bank’s assessment urging Pretoria to scrap ministerial approval requirements that have throttled the competitiveness of industrial parks within South Africa’s SEZs. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 July 2026 The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones deliver throttling bass thanks to their two full-range 40mm drivers. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026 Just that word, process, can throttle and snuff the life out of the subject. — Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for throttle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throttle
  1. choke
  2. strangle
Verb
  • There are dozens more fires burning across the state, choking the air in Oregon and sending smoke across the country.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • As if all this isn’t enough to choke your brain, here is where the numbers get truly impressive.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Definition of choke
Verb
  • Witnesses speculated that the markings could be a sign she was strangled, raising concerns about possible foul play.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • One of the women who alleged she was strangled also accused him of rape, whipping her with a belt and pointing a gun in her face.
    — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of strangle

Phrases Containing throttle

Browse Nearby Words

throning
throttle
throttled
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Cite this Entry

“Throttle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throttle. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on throttle

Nglish: Translation of throttle for Spanish Speakers

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