as in overwhelming
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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
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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
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6
as in cramming
to fit (people or things) into a tight space
the desperate refugees were crushed into the back of the truck
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7
as in hugging
to put one's arms around and press tightly
she tearfully crushed the child to her breast
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of crushing
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Even the laughs and smiles that Joe and Kate Keller issue are fleeting, a respite from the journey toward a more crushing reality.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
For smaller prey, the attack may cause rapid death through crushing injuries or punctured organs.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Advanced Micro Devices Chip giant Advanced Micro Devices impressed investors with its market-crushing first-quarter results and solid guidance.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 17 May 2026
Then after DiVincenzo's crushing injury in the opening minute of Game 4, Edwards joined him on the sideline with a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
And yet, by the time Enzo (Diego Murgia), a kindhearted and still boyish 19-year-old, can no longer conceal what’s been brewing inside him, his reaction still lands with soul crushing force.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
Guerrero’s confidence and ball-crushing ability are linked, Popkins said.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Simultaneously good-humored and ill-tempered in that quintessentially French fashion, Gabrielle is indeed shouldering a crushing amount of responsibility.
—Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
No wonder so many recent graduates are lighting up social media with posts about the difficulties of finding a job in their field, the crushing burden of paying off big loans, and the increasing inability to get by, much less thrive.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
Adjective
And that makes his collapse all the more crushing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Even the laughs and smiles that Joe and Kate Keller issue are fleeting, a respite from the journey toward a more crushing reality.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
For a club already facing relegation on the pitch, their own fans may have just dealt them the final, crushing blow.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
For smaller prey, the attack may cause rapid death through crushing injuries or punctured organs.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Advanced Micro Devices Chip giant Advanced Micro Devices impressed investors with its market-crushing first-quarter results and solid guidance.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 17 May 2026
Then after DiVincenzo's crushing injury in the opening minute of Game 4, Edwards joined him on the sideline with a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
And yet, by the time Enzo (Diego Murgia), a kindhearted and still boyish 19-year-old, can no longer conceal what’s been brewing inside him, his reaction still lands with soul crushing force.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
Guerrero’s confidence and ball-crushing ability are linked, Popkins said.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Simultaneously good-humored and ill-tempered in that quintessentially French fashion, Gabrielle is indeed shouldering a crushing amount of responsibility.
—Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
No wonder so many recent graduates are lighting up social media with posts about the difficulties of finding a job in their field, the crushing burden of paying off big loans, and the increasing inability to get by, much less thrive.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crushing
Adjective
-
There is an overwhelming amount to digest.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
-
Its preppy collared neckline and textured ribbed fabric feel eye-catching and elevated without being overwhelming.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
In a bowl, combine softened butter with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and garlic paste (made by smashing garlic cloves with salt, then mincing it and mashing it with the side of your knife).—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2026
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However, the election itself has a more lax timeline, so Kemp could wait to schedule it until September or even November, leaving District 13 without leadership and mashing the special election up with the normal midterm election for Scott’s seat.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Government forces brought reinforcements into Suqaylabiyah, quelling the violence.—
Omar Albam,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2026
-
In December, the Mouse House pledged to invest $1 billion in OpenAI and entered a three-year licensing agreement for allowing over 200 Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters’ likenesses to be used in Sora, quelling some of the text-to-video app’s brushups with copyright law.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Whereas most of his teammates got their start playing high school and college ball, Natty began by grinding it out in the Northern California mountain town of Lake Tahoe, the Washington Nationals said in a news release.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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Begin by gently grinding the tip of your dog’s nails, being careful not to grind too much or too quickly and keeping the grinder at a slight angle to avoid the quick.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Declining demand and cheap imports meant most mines had closed by the 1990s, devastating an economy built around them.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
Right now, communities are still waiting on disaster funding after devastating wildfires.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Verb
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While progressive Democrats are pushing to tax billionaires and close corporate loopholes, Republicans are warning that squeezing job creators will severely damage Illinois’ economy.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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Higher fuel costs are leading to inflation and squeezing household budgets, while industries from manufacturing to transport are facing rising operating costs and supply disruptions.—
Julhas Alam,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
Verb
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But the line is shifting towards the Mediterranean Sea, cramming Gaza’s population into a shrinking strip of land.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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Instead of cramming an itinerary, dark sky travelers often build trips around a single celestial event or a multi-night stay somewhere remote enough to actually see the stars.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Sitting just to the left of the net with American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck still hugging the opposite post, MacKinnon sailed a wrist shot just wide of the pipes.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
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Goodell had some fun onstage, hugging Buck in the increasingly aggressive way that he has been known to hug players at the draft.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crushing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crushing. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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