1
as in to strangle
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
unfortunately, the robbers were stifled when they got trapped in the airless bank vault
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to suppress
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
stifled a yawn
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 stifle
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, 24 Apr. 2026
The Loons’ defense stifled Dallas striker Petar Musa, who came into the game leading MLS with nine goals this season.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
Some in congressional leadership feared that the growth of radio networks would create a monopoly by dominating the industry, stifle radio localism, and influence legislation—thereby limiting the public interest provision.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Conversely, destructive energy hinders performance, breeds resentment, and stifles innovation.
—Rebecca Ahmed, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The Loons’ defense stifled Dallas striker Petar Musa, who came into the game leading MLS with nine goals this season.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
Some in congressional leadership feared that the growth of radio networks would create a monopoly by dominating the industry, stifle radio localism, and influence legislation—thereby limiting the public interest provision.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Conversely, destructive energy hinders performance, breeds resentment, and stifles innovation.
—Rebecca Ahmed, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stifle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifle
Verb
-
Nearly a month later, not far from Hot Skates and near the Long Island Rail Road tracks, Theresa's body was discovered, beaten, raped and strangled, buried under a pile of leaves and wooden shipping pallets.—
Mary Murphy,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Also, Meatball’s Keystone Kops never checked to see if his DNA appeared on the strap that was used to strangle her with.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fungicides, for instance, are used to suppress disease-causing pathogens like blights and leaf spots, but might also impact beneficial microbes that live in flowers.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Researchers from the University of Bristol in England and the University at Buffalo in New York found that people actively trying to suppress food cravings were more likely to spend time watching indulgent food content online — yet ended up eating less of it afterward.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Soundcore Outdoor Speaker Deal The Soundcore Boom 2 is the ultimate vibe enforcer for those who refuse to let the outdoors muffle their soundtrack.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
21 Apr. 2026
-
He’s perched on the second floor above the courtyard, a few bustling parties muffled in the background.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The zipper slider on the bear's side pouch can detach, possibly causing a risk of serious injury or death from a choking hazard to children, per the notice.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities said the woman was assaulted in her bedroom and that the man also attempted to choke her.—
Frederick Sutton Sinclair,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Starbucks was going to swallow everything.—
Saïd Sayrafiezadeh,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
After a week where everything that could have gone wrong did and the noise surrounding the club threatened to swallow the team whole, the Red Sox finally broke their four-game slide in grand fashion and got to enjoy a nice, drama-free win.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jaka Bijol could not get a handle on Joao Pedro, Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka were overrun in midfield, and Tosin Adarabioyo smothered Dominic Calvert-Lewin.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
If roots are buried too deeply, they can be smothered.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Murillo-Ortega dictatorship has been accused of repressing the Nicaraguan people — especially Catholic and LGBTQ citizens.—
Jake Shore,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Dispatches Evening Read Cubans’ Despair By Gisela Salim-Peyer Cubans for decades have been buffeted by great powers, repressed by their own government, crushed by economic crises, and paraded as the victims of a succession of sanctions imposed by the White House.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Buffalo’s forecheck was suffocating.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The Broncos went 15-4 last year, testing the expiration dates on miracle finishes, while suffocating opponents with a relentless defense.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifle. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
