as in suppressed
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 clamped down (on)
Verb
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Last month, security forces brutally suppressed nationwide protests, killing thousands and arresting many more in the deadliest suppression of demonstrations in the history of the Islamic Republic.—
Farida Elsebai,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026 -
Students have participated in other forms of protest during the school day, which King and Hendrick said was a reaction to feeling that their voices were suppressed.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The case helped fuel a revolt across Wall Street, mostly since quelled, by junior talent tired of 120-hour weeks.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
19 Feb. 2026
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If Quebec’s French-Canadian separatist movement and various referenda were ultimately quelled by Canada recognizing that culturally and linguistically unique province as a nation within Canada, then Alberta is headed for a similar result, at best.—
Rachel Marsden,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Commission member James Kowalski was a bit subdued in his comments.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
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Lighting throughout the camp is deliberately subdued, with warm-temperature luminaires and dim solar path lights that create minimal pollution and allow for maximum Milky Way views.—
Megan Eaves,
Outside,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Time and time again, courts have slapped down these strong-arm tactics that lack the force of law.—
Bob Morgan,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
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And that’s the big ol’ marker general manager Adam Peters has slapped down on the table, a year-plus into his stint here.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The companies that booked the first 12 suites put down a $10,000 deposit each to secure their place at the new stadium, Baldwin said.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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When entering a new region, Windey’s strategy is to put down roots in one country and branch out to neighbors.—
Xiaoying You,
semafor.com,
24 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Clamped down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clamped%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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