suffocating

adjective

suf·​fo·​cat·​ing ˈsə-fə-ˌkā-tiŋ How to pronounce suffocating (audio)
Synonyms of suffocatingnext
: tending or serving to suffocate or overpower : overwhelming
suffocatingly adverb

Synonyms of suffocating

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Examples of suffocating in a Sentence

inside the bunker it was suffocating, and some of the men had already passed out
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Doors and windows were locked, producing a suffocating effect in the hot weather. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 The Fleet played a suffocating style of hockey, with a strong forecheck and the ability to wear down opponents with relentless offensive-zone pressure. — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The Valkyries won their third straight game, defeating the Sparks 78-58 behind a suffocating defensive performance. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 Georgia will surely be ready and focused on its home floor following two consecutive losses, but Bucky Ball and its suffocating style from a fresh A&M team will be too much for the Bulldogs. — Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffocating

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suffocating was in 1604

Rhymes for suffocating

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Browse Nearby Words

suffocate
suffocating
suffocatingly
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Cite this Entry

“Suffocating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffocating. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on suffocating

Nglish: Translation of suffocating for Spanish Speakers

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