SQUELCH Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

squelch 1 of 2

verb

ˈskwelch

Definition of squelch

as in to suppress

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force immediately squelched any signs of rebellion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to shush

to stop the noise or speech of his irritated glare squelched any other potential objectors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stir
agitate

squelch

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of squelch

Verb

Heat domes are sprawling areas of strong high pressure that act like a lid on the atmosphere, trapping heat underneath and squelching clouds and precipitation with their sinking air, resulting in thousands of excess deaths in Europe alone. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 Unfortunately, in 2026, peak activity will coincide with full moon, so most of these streaks will likely be squelched by bright moonlight. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 18 July 2026

Noun

Ritchie’s raps feel pointed and specific, and even the flashier moments—electronic squelches that burst and break like an Arca production—pack a harder punch in their containment. — Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026 The energy is uniformly banging, but there’s a wry sense of humor encoded into every errant squelch. — Pitchfork, 5 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for squelch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squelch

Verb

This isn’t a matter of suppressing your emotions, which research has proven doesn't work.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
In one of the findings, bat houses — artificial roosts in urban environments, similar to nest boxes for birds — were doing their job helping to suppress pests on pecan farms in Texas.

— Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

His interactions with Daemon (Matt Smith) last season, going so far as to shush him at one point, were a breath of fresh air.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
As the moment unfolded, Savannah shushed the future king and even briefly placed her hand over his mouth in an effort to keep him composed.

— Staff Author, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Definition of shush

Verb

The break with Callaway was the first sign that Good Good’s attempts at quelling the crisis were not going well after Clark’s statement on social media Wednesday night.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Now, in Season 2, Issa is on the lookout for signs that her boyfriend is crushing on another housemate, while Anton and Paul Baker keep a watchful eye on one another, as much to quell further flirtation as to savor it.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of quell

Noun

Owens has directly confronted Punk about his controversial past and treatment of mutual friends, prompting Punk's sharp retorts.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Reached by phone for comment, David Pimm, the president of the Bohemian National Cemetery Association, said two of the cemetery’s three retorts, or furnaces, were not working due to an electrical fire.

— Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of retort

Verb

Called Defendu, the fighting technique with the knife was a combination of fierce aggression, speed, and strength to subdue an opponent as quickly as possible.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
When police officers in Oklahoma admitted to using electro-shock gloves to subdue two students over the 2025-2026 school year, the community was rightfully outraged.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026