CHOKE (BACK) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

choke (back)

verb

Definition of choke (back)

as in to stifle

to refrain from openly showing or uttering choked back a sarcastic reply to an insulting question

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke (back)

Verb

Brown was part of stifling a KC law that was going to protect against housing discrimination on the basis of income source or criminal history in 2025.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Studies have shown that countries with stronger IP systems tend to be more innovative, while weaker IP systems may stifle innovation.

— Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of stifle

Verb

By failing to suppress a Democratic campaign ad about the scandal, the Republican Party is only calling more attention to the misuse of $10 million meant for Florida’s Medicaid program.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Critics say the changes could suppress overseas turnout; volunteers have responded with VoteBnB, matching voters with rides and places to stay near polling stations.

— Branimir Pipal, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

There is no answer to be found in this story, no magic pill, pleasingly round, to be halved or crushed, then swallowed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Even more so in Bates’ home of Aroostook County, which swallows some 6,700 square miles way up near the Canadian border.

— Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of swallow

Verb

But such is the secrecy around the project that parts of the script are being held back from buyers in what is presumably a bid to avoid spoilers and increase intrigue.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
There is neighborhood worry about the theater holding back the economic fortunes of its block.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold back

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.

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choke

choke (back)

choked

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“Choke (back).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choke%20%28back%29. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of choke (back)

verb

Example Sentences

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