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Synonyms

stifling

American  
[stahy-fling] / ˈstaɪ flɪŋ /

adjective

  1. suffocating; oppressively close.

    the stifling atmosphere of the cavern.
stifling British  
/ ˈstaɪflɪŋ /

adjective

  1. oppressively hot or stuffy

    a stifling atmosphere
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • stiflingly adverb
  • unstifling adjective

Etymology

Origin of stifling

First recorded in 1550–60; stifle 1 + -ing 2

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.

The only nomination - and maybe this suggests the stifling of wingers is a division-wide phenomenon - at six is Antoine Semenyo, who recently won his first trophy, the Carabao Cup.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Galsworthy’s heroes represent the way new money can be trapped between stifling tradition and modern realities, but our social boundaries are constantly shifting.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Elevated mortgage rates, now at 6.55% for 30-year fixed loans, and cautious consumers are stifling housing demand.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

He has also spearheaded efforts to reform a woefully slow acquisition system, minimize stifling regulations, and take advantage of an innovative private sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

“Well, of course, Homer,” Mom replied, not entirely successful at stifling a laugh.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.