1
as in strangling
to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe
let go of my throat—you're choking me!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vomiting
to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe
the recommended procedure for helping someone who is choking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in drowning
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
thick, black smoke choked the trapped firefighters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in blocking
to prevent passage through by filling with something
overgrown bushes choked the narrow alleyway between the buildings
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of choking
India’s economic activity accelerated in April despite the Middle East war choking supplies of crude oil and gas, a flash survey by HSBC Holdings Plc showed Thursday.
—
Anup Roy, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
Jordan wrapped his hand around Hamlin’s neck — gently choking him — and gave him a kiss on the side of his head before walking away.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
James Ernest Hitchcock, 70, is scheduled to received a lethal injection for his conviction in the fatal beating and choking of his 13-year-old niece.
—David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Without access to the turbines, water released from the dam must flow through much smaller bypass tubes that are unsafe to use for extended periods, choking flow from one of the West’s largest water banks.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for choking
Anup Roy, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
Jordan wrapped his hand around Hamlin’s neck — gently choking him — and gave him a kiss on the side of his head before walking away.
—Ryan Brennan
april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
James Ernest Hitchcock, 70, is scheduled to received a lethal injection for his conviction in the fatal beating and choking of his 13-year-old niece.
—David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Without access to the turbines, water released from the dam must flow through much smaller bypass tubes that are unsafe to use for extended periods, choking flow from one of the West’s largest water banks.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for choking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking
Verb
-
Horner told a false story about hitting the little girl with his van and then strangling her in a panic, according to testimony of the case’s lead investigator, Texas Ranger Job Espinoza.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
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He’s accused of strangling Anna Kepner while the two of them shared a room on the Carnival Horizon.—
David Goodhue
April 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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If your dog is vomiting continuously, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible, The Bee reported.—
Stephanie Zappelli,
Sacbee.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In contrast to typical airline food drowning in salt and sauces, the culinary offerings aboard Aero are a delight, with meals created in partnership with Erewhon, Spago, Parm, Sadelle’s and Flora Farms along with an open bar of top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot champagne.—
Beth Landman,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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In a separate incident, two Carnival passengers also died in drowning cases at the company’s private Bahamas resort.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Wild were without defenseman Jonas Brodin for the first time in the playoffs after he was injured blocking a shot in the second period of Game 5 in Dallas.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
1 May 2026
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Among his proposals is to reform the California Environmental Quality Act to enable only government prosecutors to sue, thus blocking the ability of private individuals and organizations to stop or delay new housing development.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Separately, Comey was federally indicted last year on suspicion of making false statements to Congress and obstructing congressional proceedings, but those charges were later dismissed.—
Pilar Melendez,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
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Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.—
Darrell Smith
May 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Darnell Nurse was committed almost entirely to jamming Gauthier’s shooting lane from the right circle.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
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Throughout the weekend, some fans have shared videos showing audience members turning their screenings into full-on dance parties, jamming along to Jackson's classic songs in the theater.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Carranza said filling empty positions will require better salary and training, and perhaps more pay bumps when new hires hit yearly milestones.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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Chinese EVs leave everyone else in the dust, we’re told, with infotainment that makes your smartphone look like a StarTac, range numbers that would make a turbodiesel Audi weep, and charging that might be even faster than filling up with gas, depending on the size of your tank.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Choking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choking. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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