Synonyms of quell

quell

verb

ˈkwel 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• subdue
• suppress
• repress
• quash
• crush
• stifle
• extinguish
• overcome
• destroy
• squelch
• silence
• sit on
• squash
• crack down (on)
• demolish
• quench
• snuff (out)
• clamp down (on)
• put down
• slap down
• douse
• throttle
• conquer
• strangle
• smother
• ruin
• obliterate
• dominate
• decimate
• exterminate
• overwhelm
• vanquish
• annihilate
• put out
• wipe out
• wreck
• subjugate
• desolate
• overpower
• devastate
• smash
• waste
• nuke
• rub out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• assist
• aid
• support
• back
• provoke
• stir
• encourage
• abet
• promote
• incite
• foment
• prop up
• instigate
• foster
• further
• forward
• cultivate
• advance
• nurture
• whip (up)
• nourish

2

as in to shush

to stop the noise or speech of

the principal held up her hand to quell the students so they could hear the urgent announcement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shush
• silence
• settle
• hush
• mute
• extinguish
• quiet
• dumb
• still
• squelch
• quieten
• shut up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stir
• agitate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of quell

Markets sink on global selloff in chip stocks A global selloff in chip stocks dragged markets down Thursday, as record earnings from TSMC, the world’s largest chipmaker, failed to quell doubts over the sustainability of AI spending. — semafor.com, 20 July 2026

Could the temporary seating at BMO Field actually withstand the number of people All those fears were quelled when Toronto put on six memorable matchday experiences, along with raucous watch parties throughout the city. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

But England managed to quell any lingering feeling with a try after only four minutes to winger Tommy Freeman, then a double to backrower Ben Earl which gave it a 19-3 lead at halftime. — ABC News, 18 July 2026

Meanwhile, the tech industry is struggling to quell a mounting AI backlash, which has largely taken the form of opposition to data centers. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026