1
as in breakdown
a mental or nervous collapse
a crack-up required him to take a year off from work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crack-up
Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
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
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
Is tofu all it's cracked up to be?
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crack-up
Noun
By the end of 1857, no one knew the crack-up of the Union was coming in three years, or that the nation would be in a civil war in four, but the portents were bleak.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
Grace’s life starts to crack up and fall apart, and that is, of course, part of the adventure of being young and irresponsible.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
Is tofu all it's cracked up to be?
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crack-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack-up
Noun
-
The breakdown counts 91 million backyard birders, or 35% of the US population, while 43 million people, about 16%, have taken trips of at least a mile specifically to watch birds.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
-
Providers have responded by offering more detailed consultations, treatment breakdowns, and warranty information.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Scotland's Ben Gannon-Doak was trying to run down a long pass when Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou ran out to grab the ball, and both met in a crunching collision that left both players down for a minute.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
-
The alert also cited jet ski accidents involving American citizens, including a rider killed in a boat collision and cases of operators ignoring warnings of dangerous weather.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Many supported their battle, praising them for taking the step.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
-
Sebastián Beccacece, the coach of La Tri, praised Ecuador fans in his pre-game news conference.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Ripley was honored for a heroic effort to halt the advance of North Vietnamese forces by blowing up a crucial bridge in 1972.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
-
Boy Talk appeared one at a time in the same spot on the balcony, each guy in turn blown up on the screen above his own head.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Parts of the ad featured realistic-looking footage of Massie walking, dining, and laughing with the two.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
20 June 2026
-
The High Museum of Art is also hosting a Juneteenth event for visitors to tour the art galleries, make art of their own, listen to stories and poetry, laugh with comedians and dance during a Tambor Party.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
From a national pie shop victory to a fatal military crash and a baseball controversy reaching the White House, Wednesday delivered a wide range of stories for Sacramento readers.—
Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
-
The crash was the first to take place at the base since May 18, 1992, when a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise crashed during landing, killing two crew members on board.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland applauded the hosts on their organizing drive.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
-
Iran fans applaud for their team after a 2-2 draw between Iran and New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on June 15, 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The most recent fares were advertised on the cruise’s website as starting at $1,300 per person, with some activities included while others cost extra.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
The Athletic has been told that is influenced by strict limits, regulated by the communications services watchdog OFCOM, on how many adverts and how many total minutes of advertising ITV can show.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
