1
as in to subdue
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
the National Guard was called in to help quell the late-night disturbances downtown
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of quell
Brannon Martinsen complimented him with 16 points that included a couple of timely shots that quelled any momentum Harvard-Westlake was trying to build.
—
Dan Lovi, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
In this potential future, a loss of market confidence would force lawmakers to enact abrupt, massive spending cuts or tax hikes to quell panic.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
Ultimately, any hard feelings about how the Blue Jays’ offseason panned out could be quelled by another successful World Series run next season.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The idea of popping a pill to quell symptoms of stress is appealing, so here’s what to know about using beta blockers for anxiety.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quell
Dan Lovi, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
In this potential future, a loss of market confidence would force lawmakers to enact abrupt, massive spending cuts or tax hikes to quell panic.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
Ultimately, any hard feelings about how the Blue Jays’ offseason panned out could be quelled by another successful World Series run next season.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The idea of popping a pill to quell symptoms of stress is appealing, so here’s what to know about using beta blockers for anxiety.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quell
Verb
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As police attempted to subdue Safar, another officer suffered facial injuries and a laceration to his torso.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
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But not before Freddy applies an earlier safety lesson about harmful chemical cleaning products to subdue the suddenly menacing unicorn.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Top sleep aid for kids This extremely popular sound machine uses an authentic human voice to calm babies to sleep with a calming, shushing sound.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Jan. 2026
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Kempe then put a gloved finger to his lips, shushing the sixth consecutive sellout crowd in Anaheim.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This led organically to feelings of love for one’s Black nannies and friendship with the children of your Black live-in maids, but this warmth had to be suppressed.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
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Is grief, guilt, or shame suppressing your willpower?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The goal isn’t to silence voices, but to make sure the platform stays safe and sustainable for creators, viewers, and advertisers.—
Christopher DiLella,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
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There are high hopes for US biotech company Scribe Therapeutics' STX-1150 treatment, which epigenetically silences the PCSK9 gene in the liver to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The state ultimately repressed this uprising, but also loosened some of its rules.—
Nahid Siamdoust,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
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Violent crime is also common, and the government violently represses journalists and dissidents.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Brent crude futures settled above $70.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
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Russia's advance in Ukraine has largely settled into a grinding war of attrition, and analysts say that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in no rush to find a settlement, despite his army's difficulties on the roughly 600-mile front line.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His attorney further stated Moore is innocent of the charges against him and a motion to quash the arrest warrant and dismiss the complaint was filed.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Without a doubt, this is Trump quashing dissent.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Immediately, his teacher hushed him.—
Sana Noor Haq,
CNN Money,
23 Jan. 2026
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Egregiously, Michelin stars were never meant for taco stands — not in the modern era when the guide’s definition of greatness has so often meant white tablecloths, hushed dining rooms and pricey tasting menus.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quell. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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