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smother

[smuhth-er] / ˈsmʌð ər /


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.

We’ve been able to ruthlessly and mostly successfully smother the group from threatening the U.S. mainland and American interests abroad.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

Thick layers of dust smother giant grinding and pressing machines, while only a tiny crew of workers transfer the last batch made three weeks ago off snaking assembly lines and into trucks.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Those leaves will smother the grass as they insulate the ground and hold in moisture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Aster’s modus operandi, holding strong following his first three features, is to smother the viewer, piling on so many narrative threads that it becomes difficult to claw free for a broader perspective.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2025

“Dirt will do. It’ll smother a dying flame.”

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes




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