1
as in choking
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
the gull got tangled in a piece of fishing line on the beach and was strangled
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in throttling
to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe
the boy complained that he was being strangled by his tie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stifling
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
strangled a gasp of surprise upon hearing the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of strangling
Horner told a false story about hitting the little girl with his van and then strangling her in a panic, according to testimony of the case’s lead investigator, Texas Ranger Job Espinoza.
—
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that the blockade was strangling Iran’s economy.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
This month, Willacy testified to spare the life of Miami killer Rafael Andres, who a jury said should be condemned to die for the beating, stabbing and strangling of a La Carreta waitress in 2005.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Dispatchers told officers that the man who called 911 confessed to strangling his grandmother to death, McCabe said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2026
The episode culminates with Vanessa dying in her hospital bed, sending Wilson into a fit of uncontrollable rage that ends with him strangling a man to death.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
The emerging uproar could prove costly for Swalwell if his fundraising dries up, strangling his ability to run campaign ads, or if unions and other groups that endorsed his campaign begin to retract their decisions.
—ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Demorris Hunter was accused of strangling 38-year-old Teresa Green in May 2002 shortly after a party with their neighbors allegedly ended in a drunken altercation.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Within minutes, Doorbal was strangling Frank in the bedroom.
—Troy Roberts, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that the blockade was strangling Iran’s economy.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
This month, Willacy testified to spare the life of Miami killer Rafael Andres, who a jury said should be condemned to die for the beating, stabbing and strangling of a La Carreta waitress in 2005.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Dispatchers told officers that the man who called 911 confessed to strangling his grandmother to death, McCabe said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2026
The episode culminates with Vanessa dying in her hospital bed, sending Wilson into a fit of uncontrollable rage that ends with him strangling a man to death.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
The emerging uproar could prove costly for Swalwell if his fundraising dries up, strangling his ability to run campaign ads, or if unions and other groups that endorsed his campaign begin to retract their decisions.
—ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Demorris Hunter was accused of strangling 38-year-old Teresa Green in May 2002 shortly after a party with their neighbors allegedly ended in a drunken altercation.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Within minutes, Doorbal was strangling Frank in the bedroom.
—Troy Roberts, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strangling
Verb
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Jurors then heard sounds of banging and choking — and Athena screaming and crying, the Star-Telegram reports.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
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How about allegedly choking a live-in chef?—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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
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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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In contrast to typical airline food drowning in salt and sauces, the culinary offerings aboard Aero are a delight, with meals created in partnership with Erewhon, Spago, Parm, Sadelle’s and Flora Farms along with an open bar of top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot champagne.—
Beth Landman,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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In a separate incident, two Carnival passengers also died in drowning cases at the company’s private Bahamas resort.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The drug has already taught the field that powerfully suppressing this key cancer driver actually works.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
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By suppressing appetite, the body can direct more energy toward the immune response.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Buffalo’s forecheck was suffocating.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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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
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
Verb
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Wallstedt polished off the first Stars' power play by snapping his glove around Mikko Rantanen's shot and smothering Esa Lindell's bad-angle attempt.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
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Burton shared this adorable flick of Morgan smothering their firstborn in kisses.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Strangling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strangling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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