SUFFOCATE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

suffocate

verb

ˈsə-fə-ˌkāt

as in to strangle

to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air the law requires the owner of a discarded refrigerator to remove its door so that a child won't get trapped inside and suffocate

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to choke

to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe temporarily suffocated by the seat belt

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as in to vomit

to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe suffocating in the thick, black smoke of the burning building

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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 suffocate Among other damage, the oil can essentially suffocate mangrove trees, interfere with hawksbill turtles’ and green sea turtles’ sense of smell that guides their navigation, and prevent fish from reproducing. —

Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 May 2026 The cleavage is overwhelming for her, the waist is completely suffocating, and the corset and the dress is heavy. —

Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 May 2026 Brunson scored the points; Mikal Bridges was a rejuvenated terror; Josh Hart was everywhere; OG Anunoby suffocated the 76ers on defense. —

Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026 Also scarred is Ian Sampson, a 27-year-old amateur photographer, who chipped a tooth and nearly suffocated before inhaling tear gas after a federal agent pinned him down in the same way that the Instagram post seemingly glorified. —

Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffocate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffocate

Verb

Just as with Weaver, Vesey was bound with electrical cords before she was raped and strangled, the papers state.

— Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 15 May 2026
Luis Benitez-Gonzalez, a 26-year-old previously deported Mexican national, is accused of strangling two women in the area of Austin, Texas, in 2018 and 2024.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026