1
2
as in chokes
to yield to mental or emotional stress
after hours of tough questioning the suspect finally cracked and blurted out a confession
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in deciphers
to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
the United States military used the Navajo language as a code during World War II, and the enemy never cracked it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in knocks
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
cracked the bow of the ship with a champagne bottle
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in solves
to find an answer for through reasoning
I've been mulling this riddle, but I just can't crack it
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in crazes
to cause to go insane or as if insane
cracked by years in solitary confinement, the prisoner could only maunder incoherently
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fissures
an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure
a pebble struck the car's windshield and left a spidery crack in it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in blows
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
a disciplinary crack on the hand with a ruler was once common in schoolrooms
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in claps
a loud explosive sound
the tree fell with a sharp crack
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
as in jokes
something said or done to cause laughter
a whispered crack made the whole back row start laughing
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in eccentrics
a person of odd or whimsical habits
that conspiracy theorist has been labeled a crack by the ballistics experts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of cracks
Michael Ruiz , Amanda MacIas, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Saodimallsu Women's Button-Down Cardigan Sweater My 15-year-old is currently big into cardigans, which cracks me up a little because my signature look at 15 also happened to be cardigan sweaters.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 13 Feb. 2026
Come tipoff, Mark Jones cracks jokes in play-by-play coverage, alongside network partners Richard Jefferson and Monica McNutt.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
That is what literally cracks open everything.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Anthony cracks Top 50 Roman Anthony only has 71 big league games under his belt, but the promising Red Sox outfielder is already earning widespread acclaim from across the sport.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
Surveying a roomful of merrymakers during my visit, amid noise that could be an OSHA violation, Rodrigue cracks a small smile.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2026
To make matters even more complicated, the one who cracks the case will receive a promotion.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The chef’s signature uovo poche craccante may sound basic, but only a master of the culinary arts can poach an egg to perfection then wrap it in a thin coat that cracks like the top of a creme brulée.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Rodrigo Hasbún, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
Too much moisture can seep into cracks, causing swelling, staining, or warping.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026
In winter especially—when they might be left out in cold kitchens and cabinets—hot water can cause ceramics to expand inconsistently, resulting in unwelcome cracks.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Healthy nails don't usually have green spots, dark lines, cracks, divots or excessive ridges, says Lipner.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
Check the gutters for clogs and the foundation for cracks.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
White terrazzo marble floors with cracks that are certainly well earned by the likes of dancing stilettos, dropped Champagne bottles, and jade macaws thrown in rage.
—Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
From cracks in the British monarchy to aliens in the US, market risks abound.
—Angela Cullen, Bloomberg, 20 Feb. 2026
Officials have warned that other parts of the rocky coastline could also collapse, with cracks visible along the cliff, underscoring the growing threat of coastal erosion.
—Reuters, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
There is a $100,000 reward for information that cracks the case.
—Michael Ruiz , Amanda MacIas, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Saodimallsu Women's Button-Down Cardigan Sweater My 15-year-old is currently big into cardigans, which cracks me up a little because my signature look at 15 also happened to be cardigan sweaters.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 13 Feb. 2026
Come tipoff, Mark Jones cracks jokes in play-by-play coverage, alongside network partners Richard Jefferson and Monica McNutt.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
That is what literally cracks open everything.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Anthony cracks Top 50 Roman Anthony only has 71 big league games under his belt, but the promising Red Sox outfielder is already earning widespread acclaim from across the sport.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
Surveying a roomful of merrymakers during my visit, amid noise that could be an OSHA violation, Rodrigue cracks a small smile.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2026
To make matters even more complicated, the one who cracks the case will receive a promotion.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The chef’s signature uovo poche craccante may sound basic, but only a master of the culinary arts can poach an egg to perfection then wrap it in a thin coat that cracks like the top of a creme brulée.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
Andrea wants somebody to hug her hard, to squeeze her until every bone in her skeleton cracks.
—Rodrigo Hasbún, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
Too much moisture can seep into cracks, causing swelling, staining, or warping.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026
In winter especially—when they might be left out in cold kitchens and cabinets—hot water can cause ceramics to expand inconsistently, resulting in unwelcome cracks.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Healthy nails don't usually have green spots, dark lines, cracks, divots or excessive ridges, says Lipner.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
Check the gutters for clogs and the foundation for cracks.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
White terrazzo marble floors with cracks that are certainly well earned by the likes of dancing stilettos, dropped Champagne bottles, and jade macaws thrown in rage.
—Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
From cracks in the British monarchy to aliens in the US, market risks abound.
—Angela Cullen, Bloomberg, 20 Feb. 2026
Officials have warned that other parts of the rocky coastline could also collapse, with cracks visible along the cliff, underscoring the growing threat of coastal erosion.
—Reuters, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cracks
Verb
-
Howard Webb co-hosts a show analysing controversial decisions, and Mike Dean pops up on Sky Sports’ matchday coverage to give his analysis of incidents in real time.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Alongside those pieces, the symphony will perform contemporary works, pops favorites and continue its film series.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Their inclusion on the recent flight comes as the United States chokes the nation’s oil supplies in a bid for negotiations that could end up in regime change, sparking questions about whether Cuba will take more deportations to ease the political and economic pressure.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
-
This determines whether Precinct 4 thrives or chokes on its own growth.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Qualcomm’s chip can run Linux, along with Arduino software, and can even do computer vision, which deciphers what a camera sees and translates it into software.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
7 Oct. 2025
-
With that base knowledge and his opponent’s game tape, Nolan analyzes wide receiver alignments and deciphers the offense's attack.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Her child’s classmates now discuss what to do if ICE knocks on their door.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Before the Michigan game, the main knocks against Fears were his penchant for trash talk on the court and his ability to pester opponents and draw fouls on them.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This Maison de Sabré bag charm also solves the problem of forgetting your AirTag at home, while adding a bit of style to your suitcase.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The Bioré® Paint & Peel Pimple Patch solves this problem with its innovative formula that goes on like a liquid spot treatment and peels off like a pimple patch.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Much like previous financial crazes around meme stocks and NFTs, true believers view prediction markets through a stick-it-to-the-man prism.—
Bobby Allyn,
NPR,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Check out some of the most instantly recognizable ‘90s teen hallmarks, including the most popular bedroom furniture, beauty products, and fashion crazes.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Rupert Wyatt, the filmmaker behind Rise of the Planet of the Apes, was at the helm, exiting and returning to the project amid creative fissures.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Ice crystals—usually a hazard to vegetables—create small fissures in the surface.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The layoffs are the latest in a series of blows to Bay Area employees in tech and manufacturing sectors.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Multifaceted crisis The latest announcement is the latest in a string of blows for the crumbling former royal palace, amid growing complaints that the museum’s infrastructure and staffing haven’t kept pace with the crowds pouring through its galleries.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cracks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cracks. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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