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

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 For a century, since successive Red Scares squelched socialism in this country, the left has been in a defensive crouch. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 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

Ukraine's air force said Russian forces launched several missiles and 106 drones into the country in its latest barrage, of which three missiles and 85 drones were shot down or otherwise suppressed.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Mulch also helps suppress weeds and dissuades strawberry pests like slugs.

— Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 14 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

Noun

The wisecrack clearly landed with the audience, though the cameras picked up the late-night host’s face dropping.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
But Marsch laughs at a Maurice wisecrack and throws both of his palms on his shoulders to bridge the gap between them.

— Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of wisecrack

Verb

Here’s how to get your mismatched food containers organized and quell the cabinet chaos.

— Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
An 8-5 record in year one did little to quell those grumblings, and the recruiting was stagnating behind other SEC rivals like Alabama and LSU.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

In these difficult and incendiary times, perspectives such as Poe’s are often silenced and forced to remain in the shadows.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Response to ‘silencing’ claims As part of the suit, the city filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and temporary injunction.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of silence

Verb

Energy supply disruptions remain a key market concern, with tanker traffic through the strait still subdued, said Lloyd Chan, senior currency analyst at MUFG Bank in Singapore, noting that Brent prices remain way above above pre-conflict levels.

— Chloe Taylor,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
Across the Atlantic Ocean, forecasters say intense heat in western and central Europe could create ideal wildfire conditions just as firefighters appeared to subdue a raging fire in southern France and Spain.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

As the plot narrows into a search for a Manhunter, a murderous species whose vaunted ability to blend in is somewhat muted by every other alien having the same ability, each Lantern gets assigned a love interest.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
When Robert offers to help, Thom’s expression is curiously muted.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of mute

Cite this Entry

Style

“Squelch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squelch. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of squelch

verb

noun

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