as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
a repressive government that cracked down on political demonstrations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack down (on)
Verb
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Police issued an update Wednesday to quell rumors about the circumstances of the accident.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026 -
The Islamic Republic launched a security crackdown earlier this month to quell protests, leaving thousands dead.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The regime is resorting to massacres to suppress the unrest.—
Shahrnush Parsipur,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
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What is striking is not what has been abolished but what has been absorbed, suppressed, or quietly overridden.—
Alejandro Reyes,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Colleyville Heritage dumps Argyle in 2 OTs Colleyville Heritage got a hugh lay in by Sameer Johnson at the fourth quarter buzzer, off an assist by Dmauri Evans, to tie the game at 48 allowing the Panthers to subdue Argyle 57-51 in double overtime on Thursday.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Jan. 2026
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Nevertheless, the immediate market response to the recent earnings report was relatively subdued.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Homes in the desert community are spaced out and tucked away behind desert foliage, according to Lamie, who says most properties sit on lots that are over an acre.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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As a general rule, the front legs of all major furniture pieces should sit on the rug.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
4 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Crack down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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