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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of crack-up
Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Despite the book’s title, Buchanan had some hope for the West (in his us-and-them sense of the term) and was confident in globalism’s impending crack-up.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Sam Woodward, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
Padilla and Gosling were a teacher and principal in another sketch reading passed notes out loud that, according to text on screen, were swapped out since rehearsal, causing both to crack up uncontrollably.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crack-up
Noun
For job seekers and their families and friends, navigating this white collar crack-up can no longer mean looking to the federal or state government for a new government program, department, or benefit.
—Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Despite the book’s title, Buchanan had some hope for the West (in his us-and-them sense of the term) and was confident in globalism’s impending crack-up.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
Is tofu all it's cracked up to be?
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
Padilla and Gosling were a teacher and principal in another sketch reading passed notes out loud that, according to text on screen, were swapped out since rehearsal, causing both to crack up uncontrollably.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crack-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack-up
Noun
-
According to spending breakdowns from the California Department of Education, administrative salaries account for a single‑digit share of K–12 education spending statewide.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
And that breakdown can affect facial structure.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Domínguez has not played since May 7, when a scary collision into the left-field wall at Yankee Stadium left the 23-year-old with a left shoulder AC joint sprain.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2026
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But the most worrisome aspect of any collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda is the supermassive black hole that lurks at the center of each.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Another shopper praised its significant support.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
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Drivers spoke at length on Saturday about his accomplishments, praising his toughness, competitive spirit and penchant for speaking his mind — all of which earned him a reputation as NASCAR’s villain.—
Steve Reed,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Verb
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The blow up also wasted a strong performance by rookie left-hander Payton Tolle, who survived a harrowing second inning to post his third quality start in four outings.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
23 May 2026
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The story is like an old-fashioned film serial blown up to blockbuster proportions, set in a world that has dominated pop culture for almost 50 years.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
More than 100 little, laughing faces were yelling thank you.—
Brian Lamar,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
Speranzo laughed and disagreed.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Highway 85 was closed in both directions in Commerce City during the morning commute on Wednesday due to a deadly crash involving five vehicles.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
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Founder John Giovanazzi survived industry crashes and fickle trends by cultivating young crowds seeking dangerous, hard-to-find sounds.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
Verb
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When Vargas concluded, the Cannes audience applauded mid-movie.—
Jada Yuan,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2026
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Both Judge Lang and Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden applauded the victim’s courage.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Even with two shaky starts to begin his Red Sox tenure, Suarez has been as advertised, if not better.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
20 May 2026
-
Several pro-Palestinian groups then planned and advertised a protest to take place at the event.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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