1
as in suppressed
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
immediately squelched any signs of rebellion
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Recent Examples of squelched
The Blacklist happened, livelihoods were ruined, and freedom of thought was squelched for years as Americans were pushed into a corner of fear and anger.
—
Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Every threat to the Guinness family has been quickly squelched, complications like Olivia’s pregnancy aside, everything seems to be going quite well, honestly.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Those plans were squelched that June.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But their removal by security personnel earlier in the morning squelched those plans, according to current and former employees.
—Mike Stobbe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Every threat to the Guinness family has been quickly squelched, complications like Olivia’s pregnancy aside, everything seems to be going quite well, honestly.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Those plans were squelched that June.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But their removal by security personnel earlier in the morning squelched those plans, according to current and former employees.
—Mike Stobbe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squelched
Verb
-
Ukraine's air force said Russia launched two missiles and 183 drones into the country overnight, of which 156 drones were shot down or suppressed.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Congress was sidelined, independent media was suppressed, and opponents were detained, all under a veneer of legal authority.—
Alejandro Reyes,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Jena asked, for which she was shushed), that was spotted and strong enough to kill a man.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
If Quebec’s French-Canadian separatist movement and various referenda were ultimately quelled by Canada recognizing that culturally and linguistically unique province as a nation within Canada, then Alberta is headed for a similar result, at best.—
Rachel Marsden,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
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Haitian immigrants in limbo A federal court ruling to maintain the temporary legal status of Haitian immigrants has not quelled fears for thousands of people in the community.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When federal or state agencies move in and start taking the lead, that local voice is silenced.—
Joshua Simmons,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2026
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The measure was named after Trey Carlock, who died by suicide in 2019 after being silenced by an NDA in a settlement against Kanakuk Ministries.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Where there would once be huge lively crowds gathering in support of Hong Kong’s democracy figures, the mood was subdued and yet at the same time on edge.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Feb. 2026
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The atmosphere in Cortina remains subdued, with Austria's Mirjam Puchner having the unenviable task of heading down the hill after Vonn's crash.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Arrange a tender ceremony After the explosion of color and dancing that was the mehndi, the couple quieted things down for their wedding ceremony, which was purposefully and carefully organized not to be tied to any one religion or culture.—
Kaitlin Menza,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
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Those rumors have largely quieted, however, as the Tigers loaded up for a third consecutive playoff berth.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The actors’ interactions are charged, but the slow burn of Brontë’s characters’ hatred and yearning is muted.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
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For some, though, conversations about ICE have been muted by fear.—
Dan Horn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In the more than a month that has passed since team, state and local leadership unveiled plans to bring game day to KCK in the 2031 season, negotiations have remained largely hushed.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Immediately, his teacher hushed him.—
Sana Noor Haq,
CNN Money,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squelched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squelched. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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