SQUELCH Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

squelch 1 of 2

verb

ˈskwelch

Definition of squelch

as in to suppress

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force immediately squelched any signs of rebellion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to shush

to stop the noise or speech of his irritated glare squelched any other potential objectors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stir
agitate

squelch

2 of 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 squelch

Verb

These structured habits—doing the same thing in the same place at the same time of day—were more likely to lead to long-term success than attempting to squelch counterproductive impulses in the moment. — Francine Russo, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026 With the Stars pressing to tie, Wallstedt made 10 third period saves and held on for several whistles to squelch any Dallas momentum. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026

Noun

Poems of ‘human residue’ in a new collection Joe Hall’s poems move between a fist-pounding urgency, the fire and squelch of this moment of our endtime, and a vulnerability hushed and gentle as a nightgown on a laundry line. — Nina MacLaughlin, BostonGlobe.com, 20 July 2023 Finally, an electronic squelch. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 1 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for squelch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squelch

Verb

Record-setting heat is suspected in 25 deaths from the Deep South to the Midwest to the East Coast, authorities said, with the temperature highs also suppressing some Fourth of July celebrations.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 July 2026
When coated onto a polypropylene separator with graphene, the material formed a thin interfacial layer that readily absorbed electrolyte while suppressing polysulfide migration.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

His interactions with Daemon (Matt Smith) last season, going so far as to shush him at one point, were a breath of fresh air.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
As the moment unfolded, Savannah shushed the future king and even briefly placed her hand over his mouth in an effort to keep him composed.

— Staff Author, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Definition of shush

Noun

The wisecrack clearly landed with the audience, though the cameras picked up the late-night host’s face dropping.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
But Marsch laughs at a Maurice wisecrack and throws both of his palms on his shoulders to bridge the gap between them.

— Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of wisecrack

Verb

The security adjustments aren’t expected to quell Mexico’s World Cup fever.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
The people ended up burning down the house of one of the tax collectors, prompting President George Washington to raise the first federal army against them and quickly quell the revolt.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

The case has prompted widespread condemnation from Western governments and human rights organizations, which have accused Beijing of using national security laws to silence dissent.

— Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Spectators should silence their phones near the court To further reduce distractions, Wimbledon's official 2026 Ticket Holder Handbook lists cell phone rules attendees should abide by while watching matches.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Definition of silence

Noun

In a blistering retort on Instagram, Paris’ deputy mayor Audrey Pulvar stepped into the arena on Grégoire’s behalf, blasting American commentators for mocking France’s climate woes while contributing the most to global emissions.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 1 July 2026
Rob-Will's bloody-mouthed Rip retort was just as classic.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Definition of retort

Verb

Cops on foot chased the teen down, using a Taser to subdue him near Rogers Ave.

— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
For all the bombast surrounding the official proceedings, beginning with the UFC fight at the White House, elsewhere the mood has seemed subdued.

— Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

Definition of subdue

Cite this Entry

Style

“Squelch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squelch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of squelch

verb

noun

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