as in stifling
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choking (back)
Verb
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While some can be overbearingly hot, the hammam here is kept at the perfect temperature with just the right amount of steam, never stifling or claustrophobic.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026 -
Rudy Gobert followed his inspired Game 2 effort against Nikola Jokic by stifling the three-time MVP again on an ugly 7-for-26 shooting night, and the Timberwolves established a postseason franchise record by allowing the Nuggets just 11 points in the tone-setting first quarter.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Plus, Superjumbo has been holding back on things like listening parties and has turned down artists that wanted to do in-store performances because of the limited space, according to Mancuso.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Ukraine has developed cutting-edge and battle-tested drone technology that has proved essential in holding back Russia’s bigger army and has drawn military interest from around the world.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The variable nobody can control Geopolitical uncertainty, especially the war in Iran, is raising volatility in rates and suppressing demand worldwide.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
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In many cases, survival required suppressing fear, sadness and even physical pain.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Almost fittingly, when Shula died at age 90 on May 20, 2020, Covid had just started to rage, the budding pandemic swallowing everything.—
Greg Cote
April 28,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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His older son has an immune disease called eosinophilic esophagitis, where white blood cells gather in the esophagus and cause issues with swallowing and breathing.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Choking (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choking%20%28back%29. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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