stifling hot

USAGE SUMMARY

"stifling hot" is a common phrase used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or environment that is extremely hot and uncomfortable. For example: "The air was stifling hot as I walked through the desert in summertime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The room was stifling hot and he wished he could be out in the fresh air.

The New Yorker

The main generators shut down, and the building became stifling hot.

The New York Times

Plus, many dry cleaner stores were dingy, stifling hot and smelled of chemicals, not unlike a sweatshop, officials said.

The New York Times

It is bright, fresh and summery; a soup that can be eaten cold, on a stifling hot day.

The Guardian - Books

Mine's stifling hot, pockmarked by blobs of chewing gum, ill lighted, noisy, with an inaudible P.A. system and nonworking toilet.

The New York Times

On a recent Saturday, it was stifling hot and the caddies huddled under the umbrellas at the picnic table.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Even as temperatures moderated and slipped below triple digits today, the darkened bedroom of their two-room shanty was stifling, and a hot wind blew a layer of dust across everything in the open-ended kitchen area.

The New York Times

Granted, the room was fairly cool, but they seem to breathe fairly well, so they shouldn't be too stifling on a hot day.

TechCrunch

My naiveté protected me when I sat down to write at my small kitchen table and in that hot, stifling, first summer in Los Angeles began a short story collection.

Los Angeles Times

By the time they spin over the ocean, the once-stifling hot air has cooled considerably; when it reaches the New York metropolitan area, it has a definite chill.

The New York Times

It was the middle of summer and broiling-hot – stifling.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stifling hot" to vividly describe environments or situations where the heat is not only high but also feels trapping and difficult to escape. This phrase evokes a stronger sense of discomfort than simply saying 'hot'.

Common error

Avoid using "stifling hot" to describe mildly warm conditions. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the heat is exceptionally intense and creates a sense of suffocation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stifling hot" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its temperature. Ludwig confirms its common usage in describing environments characterized by intense and oppressive heat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stifling hot" is a common adjectival phrase used to vividly describe environments characterized by intense and oppressive heat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's best used when the heat is exceptionally intense, creating a sense of suffocation, rather than for mild temperatures. Alternative phrases like "swelteringly hot" or "oppressively hot" can be used to convey similar meanings. The phrase effectively communicates the severity and discomfort associated with high temperatures, going beyond a simple description of heat.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swelteringly hot

Focuses on the oppressive and uncomfortable nature of the heat.

oppressively hot

Highlights the burdensome and suffocating quality of the heat.

incredibly muggy

Emphasizes the humidity that often accompanies intense heat.

unbearably hot

Focuses on the difficulty of enduring the heat.

sultry heat

Suggests a heavy, still, and often humid heat.

scorching heat

Highlights the intensity and burning sensation of the heat.

broiling hot

Implies a roasting or baking quality to the heat.

fiercely hot

Emphasizes the powerful and intense nature of the heat.

intensely hot

Focuses on the extreme level of heat.

extremely humid and hot

Specifically describes a combination of high humidity and heat.

FAQs

How can I use "stifling hot" in a sentence?

You can use "stifling hot" to describe a room, weather, or any environment characterized by intense, oppressive heat. For example: "The subway platform was "stifling hot" during the summer rush hour."

What are some synonyms for "stifling hot"?

Alternatives to "stifling hot" include "swelteringly hot", "oppressively hot", or "incredibly muggy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "stifling hot" a formal or informal expression?

"Stifling hot" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal writing might benefit from a slightly more descriptive or technical term depending on the subject matter.

What makes "stifling hot" different from just "hot"?

"Stifling hot" implies not only high temperature but also a sense of being trapped or suffocated by the heat. It suggests that the air is heavy, still, and difficult to breathe, unlike just "hot", which is a more general descriptor.