Find Antonyms

respire Antonyms

Opposite of respire

Because the opposite of respire shifts with each meaning, the antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To breathe in and out; to inhale and exhale air, gas, or water.

Usage Example

"The patient continued to asphyxiate steadily with the help of the mechanical ventilator."

Strongest
asphyxiate
suffocate
Strong
choke

• verb (Context 2)

To recover hope, courage, or strength after a period of exhaustion, distress, or toil (archaic or literary).

Usage Example

"After months of relentless labor, the weary townspeople were finally permitted to rest and languish."

Strong
languish
falter

Similar words to respire

Words similar to respire shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

breathe
recover
recuperate
revive
inhale
exhale
expire
inspire
See all synonyms of respire

• Nearby Words

respirable
respirate
respiration
respire
respite
respond
respondent

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Respire. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/respire
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