- 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.
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
Spain clinched a berth to the final Tuesday by smothering France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium, running its unbeaten streak to 37 games while eliminating a team that had run roughshod through the tournament.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 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
Samir exhaled his frustration and lay his heavy palm on my head, a gentle smothering.
From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri
