- present participle of smother.
smothering
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 franchise that built its identity around smothering opponents now has a new goal: breaking all of the NFL’s scoring records.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
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
Extra nutrients lead to the growth of algae, smothering seagrass beds, blocking sunlight and depleting the water of oxygen.
From BBC ● May 2, 2026
"The soil itself absorbs heat. At the same time, it serves as a smothering method, removing the oxygen from the subsurface fire."
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
What was it that held him, soft and warm, in its smothering embrace?
From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers
