melt down 1 of 2

verb

Definition of melt downnext
as in to crack
to yield to mental or emotional stress rather than melt down, the team strengthened their resolve and ended up winning the game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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meltdown

2 of 2

noun

1
as in tailspin

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in collapse

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Dissimilar 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 melt down
Verb
Due to this, silver was often cut into smaller pieces or melted down. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 Gossip blogger Perez Hilton was reportedly treated for a drug overdose after melting down during a livestream that caused concerns of self-harm. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
America’s cost-of-living concerns and a bond market meltdown aren’t functions of a sputtering economy that’s running out of gas. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026 The Phillies also must try and prove their late-September meltdown was nothing but a blip in a long and successful October. — CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for melt down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melt down
  1. crack
  2. tailspin
  3. collapse
  4. choke
  5. freak-out
  6. disaster
  7. break down
  8. nervous breakdown
Verb
  • 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
  • Which means the Knicks have yet another team positioning itself as a roadblock on their journey to repeat as NBA champions — a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since the Wizards last cracked the 40-win mark.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of crack
Noun
  • Chargers star Khalil Mack could be an option should Los Angeles continue its tailspin after starting 0-4.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Oscar nominee plays a woman whose life is turned upside down after the death of her mother, sending everyone into a terrifying tailspin.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of tailspin
Noun
  • But for meantime, Aldabra Atoll offers a rare story of hope, showing a landscape where nature rebounded from near collapse and giant tortoises reclaimed their habitat.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Another major collapse occurred at the provincial government headquarters in Coclé, where an entire side of the building gave way, exposing the offices inside.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of collapse
Verb
  • There is a fear that a company will be forced to dilute shareholders or choke itself with expensive debt to build factories to fulfill orders.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The woman denied the allegations, and Ross hit her in the chest several times, the report says, and choked her, restricting her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of choke
Noun
  • The Derby’s question is quite often decided by whichever colt or filly has the racing focus and the strength not to succumb to his or her ambient freak-out.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Even so, the nation’s collective freak-out should serve as a wake-up call to both the food industry and regulators.
    — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of freak-out
Noun
  • After the storms, Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation that made additional state resources available for response and recovery, his office said.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Exhibitors include first responder agencies and non-governmental organizations that showcase new technologies, offer recruitment opportunities, and demonstrate local preparedness and disaster response capabilities.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of disaster
Verb
  • When Charles breaks down inside the brothel, how much of it was about Adam versus Cathy?
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The fighting represents the sharpest escalation since a 2022 ceasefire between the Houthis, Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia broke down in July.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of break down
Noun
  • This had resulted in several nervous breakdowns during my first few weeks back home.
    — Joe Manganiello, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Gloria Steinem attributed her mother's nervous breakdown before she was born, and her treatment in mental institutions and the workforce thereafter, as key to her interest in social injustices.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of nervous breakdown

Browse Nearby Words

melt (away)
melt down
meltdown
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Cite this Entry

“Melt down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melt%20down. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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