1
2
as in quelling
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 grinding
to reduce to fine particles
crushed the baby's medicine tablet and mixed it with applesauce
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in devastating
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
the terrible news of her death simply crushed the entire family
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in squeezing
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of
after crushing the grapes, let the skins soak in the juice in order to extract some color
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in cramming
to fit (people or things) into a tight space
the desperate refugees were crushed into the back of the truck
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in hugging
to put one's arms around and press tightly
she tearfully crushed the child to her breast
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in overwhelming
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crushing
Verb
-
Ah, Gloria Jean’s Coffees must be grinding some java for an adventurous soul looking to try something different than a cup of Brim or Sanka.—
David Petitti,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025 -
Many tree care companies offer stump grinding services.—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
So, for some, the idea of spending 8 hours in an office space was overwhelming and, in their mind, a massive waste of time.—
Colleen Batchelder,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The response to her viral TikTok has been overwhelming.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Ice protects fish eggs by suppressing winds and waves that can stir up the sediment, reducing the number of fish that hatch in the spring.—
Caitlin Looby,
Journal Sentinel,
23 Dec. 2024
-
His approach promises a more collaborative regulatory framework, fostering innovation rather than suppressing it.—
Leeor Shimron,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But the unhappy ending is especially head-pounding for Saxon Ratliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Queen finished with a team-best 17 points, but Maryland frequently settled for outside jumpers instead of pounding the ball inside to Queen and Julian Reese.—
Lindsay Schnell,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Bernie had facial fractures, cuts and bruises around his face, and very painful muscle injuries.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
-
On the Blue Devils’ flight home from San Antonio, there Scheyer was: digesting the game tape, reliving the most painful defeat he’s suffered in three seasons coaching his alma mater.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
The Gators still easily picked up Todd Golden’s first NCAA tournament victory and the program’s first win in the Big Dance since beating Virginia Tech in 2021.—
Edgar Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Micron Technology — The semiconductor stock slid almost 4% despite beating Wall Street expectations for earnings in the fiscal second quarter and offering strong guidance.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Rays led 2-0 with a chance to blow things open in the sixth inning after loading the bases with none out against Braves newcomer Rafael Montero on two walks and a single.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
In the now-viral clip, the working breed is seen doing domestic chores—including placing shoes in a different room, tossing paper into a bin and loading laundry into a basket—after receiving verbal cues from his owner.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, an unacceptable state of affairs persists.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
-
The latest version of a controversial bill that would require the sale of federal land to pay for tax cuts limits the scope of Bureau of Land Management property eligible for sale, but remains unacceptable to hunting, fishing, and conservation leaders.—
Andrew McKean,
Outdoor Life,
25 June 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Crushing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crushing. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share