as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
a repressive government that cracked down on political demonstrations
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack down (on)
Verb
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While acids like salicylic and gluconolactone resurface and clarify skin, botanicals like mugwort and cica (and many of its compounds, such as madecassoside and asiaticoside) work to quell redness, irritation, and inflammation, leaving behind calmer-looking skin with every cleanse.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026 -
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
Verb
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In August 2025, a judge concluded that Vedam had not been given a fair trial due to prosecutors’ efforts to suppress evidence.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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But dismissing or minimizing disappointment can unintentionally teach children to ignore or suppress emotions.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Joe Brusuelas, senior economist at RSM US, highlighted a few of those factors when pushing back on White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett’s claim Monday that subdued job gains are primarily the result of lower population figures and higher productivity.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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State Police troopers used a Taser in an attempt to subdue him.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even further down the line, a set of private residences for purchase will sit on the beach south of the hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
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Wipe the fabric down with a damp cloth when you’re finished and don’t allow anyone to sit on the cushions until the fabric is completely dry.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
18 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 21 Feb. 2026.
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