1
as in breakdown
a mental or nervous collapse
a crack-up required him to take a year off from work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in collision
the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact
two people were injured in a serious crack-up on the interstate
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to praise
to declare enthusiastic approval of
that sports car isn't all it's cracked up to be
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to blow up
to praise or publicize lavishly and often excessively
the movie is being cracked up as the blockbuster of the summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to laugh
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
try not to crack up at your own punch lines—it's funnier if you keep a straight face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of crack-up
Emily Tamkin, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2023
The movie tracks Carl’s descent, his crack-up, and his slow waking up to reality.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2023
Rachel McRady, People.com, 23 May 2025
In outtakes from a video promoting Mulaney's episode, the Everybody's Live star cracks up multiple times at Johnson's Bob Dylan impression.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for crack-up
Noun
Despite their differences on policy, there is little reason to expect a crack-up between the Hungarian and American right in the near future.
—Emily Tamkin, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2023
The movie tracks Carl’s descent, his crack-up, and his slow waking up to reality.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2023
Verb
The 70-year-old Today show weatherman couldn’t stop cracking up during a shopping segment on the Friday, May 23 episode of the NBC morning show.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 23 May 2025
In outtakes from a video promoting Mulaney's episode, the Everybody's Live star cracks up multiple times at Johnson's Bob Dylan impression.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for crack-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack-up
Noun
-
Read on for a breakdown of what else the bill has in store for higher ed.—
Emma Whitford,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Standout benefits: Geico offers mechanical breakdown coverage, which covers the cost of repairs to the transmission, engine, A/C and other mechanical parts and systems due to normal wear and tear.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Robledo was involved in a collision with a patrol car shortly before 6:15 a.m. near Olympic Parkway and Windingwalk Street.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
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Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision, the CHP said.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
24 June 2025
Verb
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When Powell delivered his semiannual monetary policy report to Congress earlier this month, he was praised by some lawmakers for refusing to delve into politics by avoiding any response to Trump’s attacks.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
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In the days since the video was shared online, TikTok users have praised Row's husband for being so patient.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
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He’s also spoken out about death threats amid an NYPD hate crimes investigation into allegations that a man threatened to blow up his car.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2025
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One of those blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 June 2025
Verb
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As the light filters through the windows, the students laugh and ask questions; there’s a creative flow in the room.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
29 June 2025
-
People eating, people laughing, people talking on the mobile.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Detaching parts may pose a hazard to other road users and increase the risk of crashes, according to the NHTSA report.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
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The incident was a major setback for Boeing, which was still working to rebuild trust with regulators and the flying public after the deadly crashes of two 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Despite Democratic skepticism, nearly all Republicans have applauded Trump's decision to strike Iran.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2025
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Tucker stepped out of the batter’s box to tip his helmet toward both a roaring crowd and the applauding Astros dugout.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Some companies don’t advertise their job openings, so ask around.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Accredited veterans service organizations such as the VFW or the Legion will help vets free of charge, but private companies are advertising and posting online, trying to get vets to pay them for the same service.—
Quil Lawrence,
NPR,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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