crack down (on)

verb

Definition of crack down (on)next
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)
  1. quell
  2. suppress
  3. subdue
  4. sit on
Verb
  • The security adjustments aren’t expected to quell Mexico’s World Cup fever.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • The people ended up burning down the house of one of the tax collectors, prompting President George Washington to raise the first federal army against them and quickly quell the revolt.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of quell
Verb
  • Despite not caring what happens to Eli James, Charles leads the town in trying to suppress the fire.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
  • While accountability matters, that environment can unintentionally suppress creativity, innovation, and professional autonomy.
    — Tiffany Thenor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of suppress
Verb
  • Treasury market securities that investors use to price in inflation expectations are subdued.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 July 2026
  • For all its 120 proof, the ethanol is quite subdued, which allows sweeter (brown sugar), fruitier (figs, cherries), spicier (cinnamon), and lightly smoky aromas (BBQ sauce burnt ends) to really stand apart.
    — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • Called ‘Iconic Blue Springs,’ the new complex would sit on about 23 acres at Adams Dairy Parkway and Napoleon Drive, near Adams Pointe Golf Club and James Walker Elementary School.
    — Ilana Arougheti July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • The neighborhood will sit on the corner of Wagley Robertson Road and the still-to-come Heritage Trace Parkway.
    — Rachel Royster July 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
Definition of sit on
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

crackbrains
crack down (on)
cracked
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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 15 Jul. 2026.

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