CHOKING Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

choking

verb

Definition of choking

present participle of choke

as in strangling

to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe let go of my throat—you're choking me!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vomiting

to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe the recommended procedure for helping someone who is choking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in drowning

to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air thick, black smoke choked the trapped firefighters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blocking

to prevent passage through by filling with something overgrown bushes choked the narrow alleyway between the buildings

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 choking Car seats, walkers and other baby gear sold at Target have been recalled due to choking hazards and the risk of serious injury from falls. — Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Loud persistent snoring, sudden gasping or choking for air, waking with a dry mouth and breathing pauses a partner usually notices first. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026 During their time dating, Flowers’ friends and family received a video of Plummer striking Flowers, choking her and throwing her to the ground, prosecutors said. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 The family of a 7-year-old boy who nearly died after choking on a piece of meat and going into cardiac arrest reunited Monday with the paramedics and 911 dispatcher who helped save his life last month in Anne Arundel County. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026 Construction workers, firefighters, and police officers, who stood shoulder to shoulder with him for months amid choking dust, burning debris, and twisted steel. — Raja Flores, STAT, 11 Sep. 2026 Many squish toys rely on a special filling to get that enjoyable texture, but this filling can sometimes contain unsafe chemicals or choking hazards. — Parents, 4 Sep. 2026 He was booked at the Gladesville Police Station on three domestic violence charges — common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentionally choking a person without consent — and eventually released on bail. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Faux greenery eliminates plant-toxin concerns, but loose pieces can still become choking hazards or cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking

Verb

Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at Futenma Air Station, on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in the island's capital city, Naha, early Saturday and stealing her wallet and backpack.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
The Marine, who denies the allegations, is accused of strangling 39-year-old Anna Yagi and stealing her belongings.

— Ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of strangling

Verb

Robertson said that about two days later, her daughter started vomiting, developed a high fever, and had severe diarrhea.

— Erin Jones, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
That stood out to him clearly in his mind because hours later, his assistant, Brown, was vomiting violently out of the car window on the way back to the airport.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of vomiting

Verb

The gates blocking it, and the security checkpoints along its flanks, will dramatically limit the public’s desire to enter, and change the tenor and experience of a space that should feel porous and inclusive.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Benson’s Sunday task will be blocking defensive ends Malcolm Koonce and Kwity Paye, who, according to Pro Football Focus, have combined for 20 pressures this season.

— Pete Sweeney October 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of blocking

Verb

The vehicle was stopped for a few minutes perpendicular to a snowy residential Minneapolis street, obstructing the flow of traffic.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Collaboration means different interests working through disagreements to find common ground – not obstructing progress in court while forests burn.

— Chris Edwards, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstructing

Verb

Gulf oil producers, with considerable support from the US Navy, are jamming crude through the Strait of Hormuz, right under Iran’s nose.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Russia is suspected of jamming several satellite systems across Europe in the wake of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of jamming

Verb

Gasoline price movements are more apparent to consumers than those of diesel, since drivers feel them immediately when filling up, economists said.

— Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
With tours filling and accommodation being booked, the temptation is to chase the longest possible totality.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026