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 latest appearance will do little to quell criticism of Infantino, who is standing currently unopposed for re-election as FIFA president.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • But England managed to quell any lingering feeling with a try after only four minutes to winger Tommy Freeman, then a double to backrower Ben Earl which gave it a 19-3 lead at halftime.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of quell
Verb
  • Air rises above the now warmer Pacific, then sinks down over parts of the western Atlantic basin, helping suppress the storms that could grow into a tropical system.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • The Nazis also took more active measures to suppress the film.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Definition of suppress
Verb
  • He was subdued by federal agents and police officers moments later.
    — Alex Nitzberg , Peter D'Abrosca , Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • India has been the most prolific IPO market in the world over the last two years, with the highest number listings, but activity was subdued here during the first half of the year.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • Let any stain-specific pretreatments sit on the spot for a while to do its job.
    — Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026
  • The public can only be suspicious of the Springfield deal, especially as DCAMM officials sit on the Convention Center board.
    — Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 17 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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