CLAMP DOWN (ON) Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

clamp down (on)

verb

Definition of clamp down (on)

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for clamp down (on)

Verb

Here’s how to get your mismatched food containers organized and quell the cabinet chaos.

— Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
An 8-5 record in year one did little to quell those grumblings, and the recruiting was stagnating behind other SEC rivals like Alabama and LSU.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

Ukraine's air force said Russian forces launched several missiles and 106 drones into the country in its latest barrage, of which three missiles and 85 drones were shot down or otherwise suppressed.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Mulch also helps suppress weeds and dissuades strawberry pests like slugs.

— Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

Strait of Hormuz crossings remained uneventful over the past week as traffic remains subdued amid little progress in negotiations to reopen the vital oil conduit.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026
The tough-talking lawman said the 380-volt stun gloves would give Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents a useful tool to subdue detainees or protesters that resist their actions without opening fire on them.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

The Athletic has spoken with multiple people across League One and League Two who currently sit on working groups that are aiming to find a solution to endemic loss-making throughout the English pyramid.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
There were plenty of boulders to sit on, and even a chair someone hauled up for weary hikers.

— Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of sit on

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clamp down

clamp down (on)

clamped

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“Clamp down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clamp%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clamp down (on)

verb

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