smothering
- present participle of smother.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some species may have acted as fire ladders, helping flames move through the landscape while also crowding out and smothering other vegetation.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026
Earlier this month, the United States voiced unease after Israel bombed fuel depots around Tehran, smothering the city of 10 million people with toxic black smoke.
From Barron's ● Mar. 19, 2026
The Broncos won, 19-3, but both teams were smothering on defense while failing to establish anything close to an offensive rhythm.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 4, 2026
Minnesota's smothering defence was again enough to win the game though, with Brian Flores' unit starring in their four-game winning streak to end the season in positive fashion.
From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2025
The chimneys of Swift’s packing plant stood tall against the sky, belching thick smoke that spread over Packingtown like a blanket, smothering the community below in the stench of blood.
From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield
