as in close
lacking fresh air
the lecture hall was stifling until we opened several windows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in strangling
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in suppressing
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
stifled a yawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in muffling
to deaden the sound of
he stifled a cough with his hand
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 stifling
Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
The core of their legal challenge revolves around claims that the charter agreement breaches antitrust laws by stifling competition.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Will the courts uphold the rule, potentially stifling a sector with transformative potential?
—Sandy Carter, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
For a player who has always shown so much energy and joy on the court, searching for offense with this new roster has proven to be stifling.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
Some are now fearful Republicans are beginning to try to weaponize that small-dollar model against them, further stifling their ascent.
—Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025
Oregon, on the other hand, struggled to sustain drives, scoring only once before the half and failing to get much going against Ohio State’s stifling defense.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
This creates a lack of physical and emotional space in the relationship that can be stifling for their partner.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Relationships aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the rigid script of perfect date nights, grand romantic gestures and flawless communication can feel stifling.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
However, a lack of autonomy growing up can strongly trigger the need for independence and reinforce negative attitudes about how future relationships may continue to be stifling.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
The core of their legal challenge revolves around claims that the charter agreement breaches antitrust laws by stifling competition.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Will the courts uphold the rule, potentially stifling a sector with transformative potential?
—Sandy Carter, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
For a player who has always shown so much energy and joy on the court, searching for offense with this new roster has proven to be stifling.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
Some are now fearful Republicans are beginning to try to weaponize that small-dollar model against them, further stifling their ascent.
—Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025
Oregon, on the other hand, struggled to sustain drives, scoring only once before the half and failing to get much going against Ohio State’s stifling defense.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
This creates a lack of physical and emotional space in the relationship that can be stifling for their partner.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Relationships aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the rigid script of perfect date nights, grand romantic gestures and flawless communication can feel stifling.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stifling
Adjective
-
Archway provides a no-obligation offer within 24 hours, can pay cash and close within three days or on a future date of the seller’s choice, and there are no fees or commissions to pay.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Since Sullivan’s arrest, there have been calls for a state-level investigation and a closer examination of its safety net for children, including homeschooling practices, around which there is little or no regulation, according to a 2018 Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate report.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
He had been arrested for allegedly strangling his then-girlfriend, Johnny Faye Cartwright, in 2020.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
4 Jan. 2025
-
His trouble with the law began in 2020, when he was arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend at an Oregon home.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of suppressing your emotions, practice emotional validation—acknowledge and accept your feelings without judgment.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
His approach promises a more collaborative regulatory framework, fostering innovation rather than suppressing it.—
Leeor Shimron,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Quarterback Kirk Cousins was having trouble against a suffocating pass rush.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
-
And their suffocating defensive pressure will overwhelm the Boilermakers.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Cut smaller kids' meals into little bites to prevent choking.—
Ryan Murphy,
The Indianapolis Star,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Thomas Conley, a second-grade student at Porter Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona, noticed that his friend was choking on a grape and sprang into action, according to local reports.—
Melissa Rudy,
Fox News,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Kids older than one year can be given honey to help neutralize the damage, but swallowing a button battery is a life-threatening emergency for which parents should immediately seek medical care.—
Ryan Murphy,
The Indianapolis Star,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Symptoms include general weakness, muscle weakness, dizziness, double-vision, abdominal tension, constipation, trouble with speaking or swallowing and difficulty in breathing.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Then again, the same could be said for all of MLB, which is considered stuffier than the NFL and NBA.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2025
-
His Olympic Agenda 2020 did away with some of the IOC’s stuffier traditions and paved the way for the inclusion of trendy urban sports like BMX and breaking at the Games.—
Blythe Lawrence,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Moore sprinted down the field in celebration of his game-saving play with 29 seconds left that gave UCLA an unexpectedly breathless 27-20 victory.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Nov. 2024
-
Jerry Coyne has a post up which critiques an extremely breathless review of a new book, Epigenetics Revolution.—
Razib Khan,
Discover Magazine,
24 Aug. 2011
Cite this Entry
“Stifling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stifling. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share