adj

suffocating

SUH-fuh-kay-tihng

Suffocating (adj) means So overwhelming, hot, or oppressive that it feels hard to breathe. Example: “The heat inside the tent was suffocating.”

adj

So overwhelming, hot, or oppressive that it feels hard to breathe.

"The heat inside the tent was suffocating."

"He described his marriage as suffocating."

How to use suffocating

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely oppressive or stifling, whether physically (heat, smoke) or emotionally (a relationship, pressure).

Common pairings

suffocating heat suffocating atmosphere

Word forms

more suffocating comparative, suffocatings plural, most suffocating superlative

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Rhymes for suffocating

mating rating eating dating hating heating grating stating beating coating skating seating

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Frequently asked questions

What does “suffocating” mean?

The word “suffocating” means so overwhelming, hot, or oppressive that it feels hard to breathe. In plain terms, extremely oppressive or stifling, whether physically (heat, smoke) or emotionally (a relationship, pressure).

How do you pronounce “suffocating”?

“Suffocating” is pronounced SUH-fuh-kay-tihng (/ˈsʌfəkeɪtɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “suffocating” in a sentence?

Here is “suffocating” used in a sentence: “The heat inside the tent was suffocating.”

What part of speech is “suffocating”?

“Suffocating” is an adjective.