- present participle of smother.
smothering
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.
Critics fear deep-sea mining will cause irreversible damage, smothering marine life in plumes of waste and disrupting oceanic migrations with the thrum of heavy machinery.
From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026
I had to see Fanning in a half-dozen better roles before she felt free of Refn’s smothering gaze.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Some species may have acted as fire ladders, helping flames move through the landscape while also crowding out and smothering other vegetation.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026
Earlier this month, the United States voiced unease after Israel bombed fuel depots around Tehran, smothering the city of 10 million people with toxic black smoke.
From Barron's ● Mar. 19, 2026
There must be a way to make these smothering rules go away.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
