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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cracked down (on)
Verb
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However, the ruthless King Saran (Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor) has suppressed magic users and enacts a rule of terror, which Zelie hopes to end in order to reunite Orisha’s clans.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026 -
The Maduro regime, having stolen the July 2024 presidential election and suppressed the democratic opposition by force, triggered a new wave of international sanctions that choked off oil revenues and sent the bolívar into free fall.—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Redick shouted out Bronny James for his efforts against Indiana after the game, lauding his defensive intensity – often being switched onto Pacers All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, and holding his own – along with a late mid-range jumper that quelled concerns of a once-improbable Indiana comeback.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
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The shooter killed an instructor and wounded two others before the ROTC cadets attacked him and quelled the threat, showing incredible bravery in the face of danger.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The siege, a success for Sulla, subdued the rebellious city back beneath the thumb of the Roman Republic.—
Taylor Mitchell Brown,
Scientific American,
20 Apr. 2026
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Here, the spa is far smaller and subdued in design, although treatments are the same.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Kalshi won a key case last week when a federal appeals court slapped down an attempt by New Jersey to curb the platform.—
Justin Papp,Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2026
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Right away, he got slapped down by the Revolutionary Guard.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Iran has already hanged seven people in connection with the protests, which activists say were put down in a crackdown that killed thousands and led to tens of thousands of arrests.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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As graduation approaches, many college seniors are choosing where to start their careers and put down roots.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cracked down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cracked%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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