CHOKES (BACK) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

chokes (back)

verb

present tense third-person singular of choke (back)

as in stifles

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for chokes (back)

Verb

Opponents argue the proposal weakens environmental protections, stifles community input and could fast-track projects like data centers and freeways.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
In time, this silence erodes trust, stifles creativity and turns minor problems into serious issues.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of stifles

Verb

Social Security swallows nearly a quarter of the federal budget and is less than a decade away from insolvency.

— Andrew G. Biggs, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
If your dog swallows these fibers, it can get caught up in the digestive tract like hair in plumbing and create a blockage.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of swallows

Verb

Eventually, though, and soon, Colorado will need to institute a new water conservation program that holds back some water for release downstream through this stretch and on toward Lake Powell when it’s most needed in summer, Holm said.

— Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Samsung traditionally holds back one color in the Galaxy S range to be a web exclusive and drive consumers to its website, although typically this is one of the standard black or grey colors.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Definition of holds 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.

Browse Nearby Words

chokes

chokes (back)

chokes off

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“Chokes (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chokes%20%28back%29. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of chokes (back)

verb

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