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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crush
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Stir crushed graham crackers, pecans, and coconut into egg mixture (mixture will be thick).
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
Eric and his friend Brian both have crushes on a girl, Sarah (Amélie Hoeferle).
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crush
Verb
It’s revealed that Sklar was Lori’s inspiration as a child to become an artist, only to crush that spark a dozen or so years later with stinging cruelty.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Stir crushed graham crackers, pecans, and coconut into egg mixture (mixture will be thick).
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
The same is true of Rafi, a 14-year-old who loves to play rough in bucolic surroundings and has a new crush, but also dreams of martyrdom.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
Eric and his friend Brian both have crushes on a girl, Sarah (Amélie Hoeferle).
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
-
Our rendition mashes up both of those concepts into one make-ahead meal-starter.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Their next feature, which again mashes varied cinematic forms and techniques, is Super Delights.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Five people died and 140 police officers were injured before the insurrection was quelled.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN Money,
14 Sep. 2025
-
In its way, this was a high occasion of state, an opportunity for the government to make a display of its brisk, sober ability to act, and to quell the unrest that this horrific and very public murder had aroused.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Just keep grinding, keep working.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
-
That’s when most of the area’s biggest theaters grind back into action.—
David Lyman,
The Enquirer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And in moments when a winner did say what was on their mind, the Boys & Girls Club bit overwhelmed them.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
15 Sep. 2025
-
This type of pressure would overwhelm most professionals, yet Nate Bargatze accepted the offer to host the 2025 Emmys.—
Stacey Stratton,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
My sister looked up at me and ever so gently, with barely perceptible pressure, squeezed my hand.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
If real estate values turn soft in a region, the decline could squeeze a crucial revenue stream for cities, counties, regional agencies and school districts.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of stripping your skin, the new technology does the opposite, cramming nourishers and moisturizing ingredients into microscopic nano-size droplets that nudge themselves into the nooks and crannies of your skin.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The approach to town is via a narrow, curly and sometimes vehicle-crammed mountain road.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles held an emotional meeting with staff on Wednesday after the assassination, telling members to go home and hug their families, the Wall Street Journal reported.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In typical athlete origin story fashion, the first half of the Christy trailer depicts the unpolished, brunette Sweeney as real-life champion Christy Salters Martin slugging it out in practice, training on a beach, and hugging her supportive team.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Hess talked about chess with a sense of gravity that went beyond interest or mere passion; an elegant move or complex position would light him up.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Beyond the gridiron and his partnership with Hot Wheels, Wilson continues to build on his passion for inspiring the next generation through his lifestyle brand, 3BRAND.—
Andy Frye,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share