as in close
lacking fresh air
the lecture hall was stifling until we opened several windows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in strangling
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
unfortunately, the robbers were stifled when they got trapped in the airless bank vault
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in suppressing
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
stifled a yawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in muffling
to deaden the sound of
he stifled a cough with his hand
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 stifling
Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Wolfe Herd’s story is somewhat different, however; Swiped is an unofficial biopic for the simple reason that key parts of the story are still subject to a stifling non-disclosure agreement, for reasons that soon become horribly clear.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Both moves mark escalations by government officials in stifling free speech since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, First Amendment advocates warn.
—Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Sep. 2025
Leaders often reward this bias, stifling early warnings.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Lynx defeated the Valkyries 101-72, showcasing a combination of effective offense and stifling defense.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
This is someone using the power that comes from running the FCC by going after opponents and stifling their speech through any means necessary.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
The home of world-leading firms such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG spent decades at technology’s vanguard, but fortunes have wilted in recent years because of a stifling regulatory environment, demographic pressures, and fierce competition from China.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Lately, however, that search for control has become overly cautious, stifling attacking adventure.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
For Adobe, the goals are to protect creators, ensure access, and avoid stifling innovation.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Wolfe Herd’s story is somewhat different, however; Swiped is an unofficial biopic for the simple reason that key parts of the story are still subject to a stifling non-disclosure agreement, for reasons that soon become horribly clear.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Both moves mark escalations by government officials in stifling free speech since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, First Amendment advocates warn.
—Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Sep. 2025
Leaders often reward this bias, stifling early warnings.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Lynx defeated the Valkyries 101-72, showcasing a combination of effective offense and stifling defense.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
This is someone using the power that comes from running the FCC by going after opponents and stifling their speech through any means necessary.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
The home of world-leading firms such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG spent decades at technology’s vanguard, but fortunes have wilted in recent years because of a stifling regulatory environment, demographic pressures, and fierce competition from China.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Lately, however, that search for control has become overly cautious, stifling attacking adventure.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifling
Adjective
-
He was acquired, along with closer Victor Vodnik, in a July 2023 trade with the Braves for reliever Pierce Johnson.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
17 Sep. 2025
-
In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But these advances are also strangling the business of the dictionary.—
Stefan Fatsis,
The Atlantic,
13 Sep. 2025
-
After law enforcement left, the district attorney’s office said Sumpter attacked the woman, punching her in the face and strangling her.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By solving MXene’s stability problem and suppressing chloride corrosion, the research delivers a material that balances conductivity, durability, and performance.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The focus of the nearly year-long legal battle has been 23XI and Front Row accusing NASCAR and CEO Jim France of suppressing the competition, and NASCAR countersued in March.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Money floods into affected districts, muffling outrage precisely when constituents are most enraged.—
John J. Donohue,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The suffocating Benz pushed the lifelong asthmatic to the edge.—
Sam Bloch
August 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Aug. 2025
-
And with the team operating under the suffocating grip of new CBA, every dollar must work overtime.—
Brian Sampson,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
Baltimore led Buffalo by 15 points with four minutes to go Sunday night before choking away a 41-40 loss in what became an instant classic.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Infant accessories dug-up from the previous owner’s storage at the estate sale might still contain lead paint or choking hazards, and Ziomek advises to beware especially of any accessories involving sleeping, when babies are particularly vulnerable.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Accidentally swallowing an apple seed—or even a few apple seeds—is unlikely to be dangerous.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Your throat could be sore or painful while swallowing for a number of reasons.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Flu symptoms can include aches, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose, according to the CDC.—
Sara Schilling,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The late Tom Wolfe, rubbing his hands with glee and spilling lemonade on his white suit, would be delighted that tradition has now taken its revenge on stuffy Bauhaus Europeanism, and maybe rightly so.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stifling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifling. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share