CRACKS Synonyms: 406 Similar and Opposite Words

cracks 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of crack

as in pops

to break suddenly with an explosive sound the tree branch unexpectedly cracked under our weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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

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

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

cracks

2 of 2

noun

plural of crack

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

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

as in claps

a loud explosive sound the tree fell with a sharp crack

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in attempts

an effort to do or accomplish something this is my first crack at painting

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in jokes

something said or done to cause laughter a whispered crack made the whole back row start laughing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of cracks

Verb

The higher detection frequency is a technical capability, not evidence that the system detects cracks five times earlier or more accurately. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 The bigger concern is a shortcut that cracks an entire family of mathematical problems at once, and with it every system built on them. — Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 Zaïd cracks a wide smile exposing the gap left by four missing front teeth. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 The story centers on a transfer student’s enigmatic bond with a teacher, as a string of unexplained, supernatural incidents cracks the school’s polished facade. — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 And Guy Pearce cracks it as the Aussie who beat the Brits at their own game of publishing. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 When Pennywise cracks a joke, the contrast of his antics with the scary stuff can be more impactful, have more personality, than just scare after scare. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 Anyone who cracks your unlock code can get into nearly every app, from banking to social media and even your email—the keys to the kingdom. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Pre-fall closes the chapter on summer but cracks one open to fall. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Noun

Over time, corrosion may lead to cracks that threaten their structural integrity. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 How Banijay cracks scripted there is a big agenda point for Bassetti, Jane Turton and Banijay Americas topper Ben Samek. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 Wince’s advice is to purchase spackle or a small tub of drywall compound and fill the holes and cracks with that. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026 Having someone review documents, take notes or track deadlines can help prevent important details from slipping through the cracks. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The pop star’s fourth album explores the cracks between the hits, the climaxes, and the comedowns. — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 But when volume doubles (or more), that’s when cracks usually become increasingly visible and expensive. — Karl Mawhinney, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Guillermo del Toro Everyone seems to love the director of Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, but this Gothic romantic horror flick often falls through the cracks when people talk about Guillermo del Toro. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026 Scoring leveled out as the game went on — the Suns didn’t crack 30 points in a quarter again — but the opening 12 minutes showed plenty of cracks the Bulls need to patch up. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cracks

Verb

Every time something pops into your head, give it to the agent and let the agent keep track of what is coming due.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
During our visit, a neighbor is looking after Whisky, while Mathilda pops over to a friend’s house to play.

— Amira Hashish, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of pops

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

Definition of deciphers

Verb

After the tempting offer, Pryce knocks on Clark’s door to see the ambitious former player wearing under-eye masks, agreeing to his proposition.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
The flash lasts only a fraction of a picosecond, and the beam knocks individual atoms out of place.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of knocks

Verb

Piping it straight to nearby buildings works beautifully in February, but solves nothing in July.

— Moones Alamooti, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Today’s Theme Everyone solves crosswords differently, and there’s no specific order you’re meant to solve in; do what works best for you.

— Sam Corbin, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of solves

Noun

Once moored, a boardwalk leads through old-growth forest to the fault itself, where ocean water is drawn in, heated up high and released through fissures in the rock.

— Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Elsewhere, including in Veraguas province, large fissures ran along roadways.

— Aris Mariota, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026