CHOKE (BACK) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

choke (back)

verb

Definition of choke (back)

as in to stifle

to refrain from openly showing or uttering choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke (back)

Verb

Perhaps her biggest challenge is combating the misconception that cystic fibrosis has been cured, which stifles investment into new treatments.

— Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Two years ago this weekend, the vibe at the festival was stifling.

— Katie Bain, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of stifle

Verb

After security forces suppressed peaceful protests with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, plunging large parts of the country into conflict.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
What explains this difficulty in suppressing the Canal Street counterfeiters?

— Daniel Edward Rosen, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

But one of the biggest questions about their eventual direction is whether Edey is their center of the future … or whether the injuries that limited him to just 11 games last season will swallow up the behemoth big man’s career.

— Doug Haller, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
The more exaggerated interpretations, with oversized collars that swallow the chin or heavy embellishment, are the ones most at risk of looking dated once the search curve bends.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of swallow

Verb

Rooms are conservatively classic, but common spaces don't hold back with requisite lobby lounge piano, over-the-top holiday decorations, a grand staircase, and marble fireplace.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Making matters worse, China is holding back fuel exports to avoid a shortage at home.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold back

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.

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choke

choke (back)

choked

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“Choke (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choke%20%28back%29. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of choke (back)

verb

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