claustrophobic

[klaw-struh-foh-bik] / ˌklɔ strəˈfoʊ bɪk /

ADJECTIVE

overly cramped or confined

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confined cramped enclosed limited

STRONG

airless

WEAK

narrow oppressive packed pinched tight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

roomy spacious

STRONG

airy open

WEAK

calm free

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.

I remember worrying about getting claustrophobic in the machine; that was what I considered a major medical issue.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

“Amongst Women” depicts this claustrophobic domain in restrained prose that is infused with tension when Moran marries again.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

"I'm quite uncomfortable with accents in general - they kind of hinder me, and I feel quite claustrophobic," she said, adding "Brummie was never a conversation."

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

The bridge will be a less time-consuming, less claustrophobic way of moving about the airport.

From Slate • Nov. 24, 2025

Before consenting to being zipped into its claustrophobic interior, he requested that prayer books be placed in the bag with him.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer