as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
a repressive government that cracked down on political demonstrations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack down (on)
Verb
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Having someone control the narrative around these issues could help to quell that brewing skepticism.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026 -
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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The regime is resorting to massacres to suppress the unrest.—
Shahrnush Parsipur,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
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What is striking is not what has been abolished but what has been absorbed, suppressed, or quietly overridden.—
Alejandro Reyes,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The last Winter Olympics, held in Beijing during COVID, were subdued.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
6 Feb. 2026
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Fans in the arena have been fairly subdued, but an in-house DJ has made a steady stream of dance hits the day’s soundtrack.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Homes in the desert community are spaced out and tucked away behind desert foliage, according to Lamie, who says most properties sit on lots that are over an acre.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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As a general rule, the front legs of all major furniture pieces should sit on the rug.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
4 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 11 Feb. 2026.
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