SLAP DOWN Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

slap down

verb

Definition of slap down

as in to quell

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force public protests against the dictatorial government were always promptly slapped down

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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 slap down As lawyers crowded in, Reddington could be seen slapping down a sheaf of papers. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 The majority also slapped down his global tariffs, finding that only Congress had the authority to impose them. — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 Today the Supreme Court slapped down the move made by a federal appeals court last year to overturn Hernandez's conviction. — Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 Right away, he got slapped down by the Revolutionary Guard. — NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slap down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down

Verb

Some areas have received enough rain to quell the risk for the rest of the season, while others probably need another soaking.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Trump is waging a campaign in the final moments of the midterm election to quell discontent among farmers, truckers and drivers exhausted by $4 gas and near-record diesel.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

By failing to suppress a Democratic campaign ad about the scandal, the Republican Party is only calling more attention to the misuse of $10 million meant for Florida’s Medicaid program.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Critics say the changes could suppress overseas turnout; volunteers have responded with VoteBnB, matching voters with rides and places to stay near polling stations.

— Branimir Pipal, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

The remainder was funded by Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd, which owned the club—making the owner’s money sit on both sides of the sponsorships.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
The senators sit on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, which oversees government health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

— Samantha Liss, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of sit on

Verb

Today, aspiring developers can turn a good idea into a playable VPX table without ever putting down their phone.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
The slowdown in investment was put down to government hesitation over changes to Italy’s domestic tax incentive for TV shows and films.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of put down

Browse Nearby Words

slapdash

slap down

slaphappy

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“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of slap down

verb

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