as in stifling
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking (back)
Verb
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The Seahawks defensive front was stifling, sacking Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye six times.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026 -
The Wolverines’ school-record nine-game winning streak in Big Ten games was snapped by a big and experienced team that plays stifling defense and is led by a 6-foot-7 preseason All-America center who does it all.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Two temporary rulings had been issued in January, when the states sued, that blocked the federal governmentfrom holding back the funding, with the latest set to expire on Friday.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
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Two temporary rulings had been issued in January that blocked the federal government from holding back the funding, with the latest set to expire on Friday.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Florida is still showing a knack for suppressing shots but more high-danger chances are slipping past.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
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Food manufacturers like PepsiCo are also contending with the impact of appetite-suppressing weight-loss drugs, which are hurting demand for snacks.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Artists are tired of swallowing scandals like this.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
6 Feb. 2026
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These great-tasting liquids can be beneficial for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
4 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Choking (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choking%20%28back%29. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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