as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clamp down (on)
Verb
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After years of smoking to help quell her anxiety, Tish found that the drug only made things worse.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
15 July 2025 -
The situation boiled over in Los Angeles in June after the president deployed the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to quell protests calling for abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.—
Alexandria Burris,
IndyStar,
3 July 2025
Verb
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The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed their operations, bringing the fire under control in under 30 minutes, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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That same resolution created Palestine, which Israel has refused to recognize and has fought to suppress ever since.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Nimmo’s celebration upon hitting the grand slam was subdued.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
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This season blended bold designs, subdued silhouettes and interesting footwear to tell us one thing: menswear is slowly but surely becoming on-par with its female counterpart.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Clamp down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clamp%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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