1
as in to strangle
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air
the law requires the owner of a discarded refrigerator to remove its door so that a child won't get trapped inside and suffocate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 suffocate
An adventurous death trip that will magically drive them both from their hovel to the wild mountains and up to New York, from suffocating reality to absolute freedom.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
Wedding perfectly captures the chaos, warmth, and suffocating affection of immigrant families while delivering one of the least toxic relationships in rom-com history.
—Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
When Margaret Craig confronted her daughter and threatened to call the police, Candace Craig suffocated her with a trash bag, then dismembered and burned her body on a barbecue grill in an attempt to dispose of the remains, according to Braveboy.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
The Rebels and the Longhorns suffocate movement within the halfcourt and force opponents to beat them off the dribble.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
Wedding perfectly captures the chaos, warmth, and suffocating affection of immigrant families while delivering one of the least toxic relationships in rom-com history.
—Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
When Margaret Craig confronted her daughter and threatened to call the police, Candace Craig suffocated her with a trash bag, then dismembered and burned her body on a barbecue grill in an attempt to dispose of the remains, according to Braveboy.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
The Rebels and the Longhorns suffocate movement within the halfcourt and force opponents to beat them off the dribble.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suffocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffocate
Verb
-
San Diego police have identified the 61-year-old man who died Saturday after an attacker bashed his head on the ground and strangled him in front of a Hillcrest gas station.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
-
She had been beaten and strangled on the steps of her home.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
But, just like peanut butter—which is considered healthy for infants—Levinson says that cold, firm chunks or thick globs of butter may pose a choking hazard.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Lawmakers need to get it together soon, or the economy will go from gagging to choking.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
As Elizabeth became sicker, vomiting then unresponsive, Jason Struhs seemed to waver in his conviction, but church members rallied around him, encouraging him to follow God’s will.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Symptoms of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and jaundice.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
This blends well with many skin tones, not drowning out paler skin tones as brighter reds might do.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Ovechkin’s goal did not get much of a big reaction since the Rangers are still in the playoff race and visiting fans do not show up at Madison Square Garden in enough of a group to drown out the home crowd.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Colorado’s most promising moment came from a Cole Bassett attempt in the first half that St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki smothered.—
Braidon Nourse,
The Denver Post,
22 Feb. 2025
-
In the 10 wins in between, St. John’s imposed its will with a smothering, high-effort defense.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Suffocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffocate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share