CRACKED DOWN (ON) Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

cracked down (on)

verb

past tense of crack down (on)

as in suppressed

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force a repressive government that cracked down on political demonstrations

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for cracked down (on)

Verb

When women tried to march for their rights, they were violently suppressed, and by 2023, nearly all those in Afghan jails were political prisoners, and many were tortured.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
Hong Kong's independent bookstores, many of them tucked away from busy streets inside buildings, have long offered a refuge and a window to a freer world for some mainland Chinese readers seeking ideas suppressed at home.

— KANIS LEUNG, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of suppressed

Verb

Bradman was the top run scorer for Australia but had only one century in the series, suggesting his threat had been quelled.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
Coach Regis Le Bris appears to have quelled that for this summer, citing a lack of other striking options beyond Brian Brobbey in a season where his side have European football to contend with on top of domestic matters.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of quelled

Verb

The majority also slapped down his global tariffs, finding that only Congress had the authority to impose them.

— Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Today the Supreme Court slapped down the move made by a federal appeals court last year to overturn Hernandez's conviction.

— Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026

Definition of slapped down

Verb

During lunch, a familiar song came on and every server stopped, put down their trays, climbed onto the tables, and started dancing.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
According to a recent paper by the French Institute of International Relations, the SAF and its supporters claim to be putting down an armed rebellion as Sudan’s legitimate government.

— Mat Nashed, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of put down

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“Cracked down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cracked%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cracked down (on)

verb

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