as in cracks
to yield to mental or emotional stress
rather than melt down, the team strengthened their resolve and ended up winning the game
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Recent Examples of melts down
The snowpack acts as a natural water storage system for California, and ideally when the region’s climate shifts from cold to warm and dry, the snow gradually melts down from rivers and creeks to fill reservoirs over a period of months.
—
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melts down
Verb
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That the New York DMA was in the mix is particularly noteworthy, as Gotham rarely cracks even the Super Bowl’s top-20 local markets—a function of its sheer size.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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Rhea has a wondrous laugh, which cracks the air like a lightning bolt of joy.—
Britt Lower,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The report breaks down teacher salaries by state and region, too.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
27 Apr. 2026
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The Daily Money breaks down complex consumer and financial news.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the second season, a patient under the influence wraps his arm around a young nurse’s neck and chokes her until the charge nurse intervenes.—
Jennifer Obel,
Twin Cities,
22 Apr. 2026
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Jasmine almost chokes on her corn dog when that comes out of Janet’s mouth.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sometimes your boyfriend breaks up with you to be with an older divorced mom and that's a good thing.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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The Gap Factory Relaxed Linen-blend Wide-leg Pants, now 50 percent off, come in a vibrant hot pink that instantly breaks up a neutral-heavy suitcase and adds a playful pop for spring and summer itineraries.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Melts down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melts%20down. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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