quells

verb

present tense third-person singular of quell
1
as in suppresses
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quiets
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 quells Powered by chemical agents, this provides apt UV protection while hyaluronic acid improves hydration levels, niacinamide quells inflammation, and allantoin keeps skin soothed. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026 Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern. — Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 One way Recover quells concerns is through proof-of-concept collections with supply chain partners. — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026 While the presumption was always that Messi would renew with the Herons, the news quells any lingering anxiety. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Twenty years later, an adult Guinevere is building her ghostwriting career when her estranged artist brother announces an installation titled Mother, which quells disturbing revelations in Guinevere. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quells
  1. suppresses
  2. quiets
  3. subdues
  4. shushes
  5. represses
  6. silences
  7. settles
  8. hushes
Verb
  • Its Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation effectively suppresses low-frequency drone and office chatter, while custom 40mm drivers deliver rich, balanced sound reinforced by Ultra Bass technology.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Ambiguity suppresses adoption more effectively than skepticism.
    — Pankaj Prasoon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of suppresses
Verb
  • Their Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation effectively quiets daily transit hums and crowded office chatter, while custom 40mm drivers pump out rich acoustics backed by customizable Ultra Bass tuning.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Boos or not, the new GM has to decide on the best course of action for the present and future of the franchise, not just the one that quiets things down the quickest.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiets
Verb
  • In person, Huang subdues his ironic braggadocio with polite eye contact and rolling belly laughs at his own jokes.
    — Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • El Nino also subdues the hurricane season in the Atlantic because there is so much heat in the Pacific that outcompetes the Atlantic, Berardelli added.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Definition of subdues
Verb
  • Before the chatter can continue, Sharon Leone (Diane Farr), the Cal Fire Division Chief and mother of Bode Leone (Max Thieriot), quickly shushes everyone and reminds them to focus.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Definition of shushes
Verb
  • Typically, bees stop laying eggs during the winter, or at least slow down activity, which represses mite activity.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
  • The portrait of a woman who represses and conceals a rape struck a chord as the #MeToo movement took off and put Trobisch on the map.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of represses
Verb
  • The government silences critics, shuts down free press and condemns other political parties.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The 42mm transducer system pumps out breathtaking dynamic range, while Adaptive Noise Cancellation effortlessly silences noisy dorm halls and busy coffee shops.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of silences
Verb
  • Adebo could see some action against three-receiver sets regardless, depending on what Harbaugh settles with at the slot corner spot.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As the fiscal reality of these mandates settles in communities across the state, the scramble of local governments to avoid cutting both core and beloved school programs like Outdoor School will become even more frantic.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of settles
Verb
  • Sweeping views over Hyde Park and expert soundproofing that hushes those busy London street horns.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
  • The top itself is an eight-layer cloth construction that satisfyingly hushes the cabin when raised.
    — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025
Definition of hushes

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quelling
quells
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Cite this Entry

“Quells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quells. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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