1
2
as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
the government is doing everything to crush the latest guerrilla uprising
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grind
to reduce to fine particles
crushed the baby's medicine tablet and mixed it with applesauce
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
the terrible news of her death simply crushed the entire family
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
6
7
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
she tearfully crushed the child to her breast
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in swarm
a great number of persons or creatures massed together
the huge crush in the store must have far exceeded safety limits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of crush
Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026
Dallas city officials will be crushed for the next several years, and mayor Eric Johnson’s political career may not survive.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026
Writer-director Natalie Erika James' latest film stars Francis, 32, as Hana, a medical student haunted by internalized fatphobia, family trauma and a literal ghost — plus, a massive crush on her gym instructor.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for crush
Verb
Ritchie crushed a double, scoring two and putting the Shamrocks up 4-2.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026
Dallas city officials will be crushed for the next several years, and mayor Eric Johnson’s political career may not survive.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Noun
Disruptions by allegedly drunk Liverpool fans were initially blamed for the crush that killed 97 and left hundreds injured.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026
Writer-director Natalie Erika James' latest film stars Francis, 32, as Hana, a medical student haunted by internalized fatphobia, family trauma and a literal ghost — plus, a massive crush on her gym instructor.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
-
Like whiskey, the base ingredient is mashed and then fermented with yeast before distillation either on a pot or column still.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
29 May 2026
-
Both teams mash, but I’d give Tech the edge in producing runs without the long ball.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Critics worry that the buffer zones could be used to quell nonviolent demonstrations or criminalize free speech.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
-
While the emergency response quelled the threat of a violent explosion as of Monday night, 16,000 residents, largely from the city of Stanton, were still unable to return home until all evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday evening.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Nine crucial years of expansion and solidification of the pernicious institution went by, speeding the nation’s road toward a grinding war.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Then to tie a bow on the outing, Scott got Pavin Smith to lunge after an outside slider and ground into the final out of the game.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
This high-corn composition lays the foundation for a sweet, approachable profile, while the modest rye content adds a measured spice that never overwhelms.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
After serving as a commissioner for tennis during the 1984 Olympic Games in the city, Burke said he was overwhelmed by the sense of community and excitement that the international sporting event fostered.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Freddie Freeman squeezed one inside the left-field foul pole in the first inning, his fourth home run in nine games (after hitting just one in the previous 35 games).—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
The bedroom is now its own separate space—one that Konieczny managed to squeeze more custom storage inside—and despite having to move the shower and toilet, the bathroom is much more functional as well.—
Nicolas Milon,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The two stayed up late into the night Monday, cramming information on each candidate.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
-
The walls of his home office were crammed with photos, jerseys and plaques from his 22-plus years as an NBA head coach, with stops in Portland, Sacramento, Golden State, Houston and Minnesota.—
Jason Quick,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The sundeck hugs a 100-foot-long swimming pool, and there’s an indoor option in the spa for the cooler months.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Now the latest batch of eaux de parfum is noticeably lighter, hugging the skin rather than announcing its presence.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
And if that passion translates to performance, Zoe will someday join her sisters on the national team.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
At school, Turner participated in Future Farmers of America and explored trade skills, eventually discovering a passion for welding.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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