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Definitions

stifled

[stahy-fuhld] / ˈstaɪ fəld /
ADJECTIVE
faint
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicate dim distant dull far-off gentle hazy inaudible mild muffled muted remote slight soft soothing vague weak
STRONG
aside bated bleached blurred deadened deep faded faltering hushed light low moderate murmuring muttering obscure padded pale piano quiet smooth softened subdued thin wan whispered
WEAK
bland breathless dusty epicene feeble hoarse ill-defined imperceptible indistinct lenient low-pitched out of earshot shadowy tenuous unclear
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright certain clear close definite distinct firm friendly harsh healthy intelligent loud near nearby rough sharp smart strong sure thick violent warm
STRONG
boisterous colorful heavy uncontrolled
WEAK
bold brave courageous resolute
ADJECTIVE
muffled
Synonyms
STRONGEST
faint muted suppressed
STRONG
deadened dim dull mute obscure silenced strangled subdued
WEAK
flat indistinct
Antonyms
STRONG
bright clear intelligent light smart
WEAK
unblocked
ADJECTIVE
pent-up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
repressed suppressed
WEAK
bottled-up bridled checked constrained curbed held in check held-back inhibited restrained restricted smothered
Antonyms
WEAK
public released
ADJECTIVE
smothered
Synonyms
STRONGEST
checked constrained
STRONG
bridled curbed repressed
WEAK
held-back
ADJECTIVE
weak
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dull feeble low poor quiet small thin
WEAK
bated dim distant gentle imperceptible inaudible indistinct muffled pale reedy slight unaccented unstressed whispered
Antonyms
WEAK
loud noisy

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 rise of generative AI, which can replicate many basic entry-level tasks, has also stifled hiring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The longer traffic through the strait remains stifled, the greater—and longer—the impact on airfares.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

His excellence eventually stifled racism and quieted critics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Bitcoin’s recovery run has been stifled somewhat at the start of the week by a bounce in gold that has taken the precious metal back over $5,000 an ounce.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 9, 2026

Reverend Crump asked for a last glass of water so he could take his “anti-panic pill” and Liyana stifled a laugh, pretending it was a cough.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye

Vocabulary lists containing stifled

A Wrinkle in Time

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Vocabulary from the Vice-Presidential Debate, October 4, 2016

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The Double Helix

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