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
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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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The court was told that Paul and her 10-month-old son were in one of the seven cars involved in the collision, resulting in the baby sustaining a broken leg, per Toronto Sun and CBC.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
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Shortly after coming off the bench, James Maddison went down in pain following a collision with Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Passed in the final days of session and signed into law by Lamont earlier this week, the bill was praised as a massive victory for the state’s labor community and has been strongly embraced by unions and workers advocacy groups.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
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This brings me back to the students who booed the real-estate developer praising AI.—
Hope Loudon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
Why the Nike Tech trend blew up Earlier this year, Nike Tech fleeces, jackets, pants and sweatsuits sparked cultural commentary with a viral social media trend that inspired young men to trade the casual style for preppy quarter-zip sweaters.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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About to hit rock bottom, Peter is therefore oblivious to the +44 numbers that are blowing up his phone, until the caller — a British clubber called Edison (the fantastic Kirby Howell-Baptiste) — arrives on his doorstep.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The two have grown close as a regular double-play duo, constantly joking and laughing together in the clubhouse and on the field.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
-
Jackson laughs with Kirkwood over the chance meeting, calls in the other referees for a group picture.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, police said.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
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The outlet reported three people suffered injuries in the crash.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The opening up of the submission process for the category has been largely applauded by the international film community, especially dissident filmmakers at odds with their governments who never stood a stand chance of representing their countries.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
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His work ethic is often applauded by his teammates and coaches.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Developers advertised the rugged mesa—framed by the Santa Monica Mountains to the east and the ocean to the west—as an escape from the dust and noise of the growing city of Los Angeles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
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Some Illinois mayors say data centers have worked miracles in their towns while others question whether the benefits overcome the downsides, and whether the benefits are as good as advertised.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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