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 Right away, he got slapped down by the Revolutionary Guard. — NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026 The White House argued that a national security law dating back to the 1970s—the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—gives the President the authority to declare an emergency and slap down tariffs on his own. — Philip Wang, Time, 21 Jan. 2026 Time and time again, courts have slapped down these strong-arm tactics that lack the force of law. — Bob Morgan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026 The production runs for 2026 and 2027 are sold out, but future flyers can jump in the queue for the 2028 build now by slapping down a deposit of US$8,000. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slap down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down

Verb

The security adjustments aren’t expected to quell Mexico’s World Cup fever.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
The people ended up burning down the house of one of the tax collectors, prompting President George Washington to raise the first federal army against them and quickly quell the revolt.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

Treasury market securities that investors use to price in inflation expectations are subdued.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 July 2026
For all its 120 proof, the ethanol is quite subdued, which allows sweeter (brown sugar), fruitier (figs, cherries), spicier (cinnamon), and lightly smoky aromas (BBQ sauce burnt ends) to really stand apart.

— David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Called ‘Iconic Blue Springs,’ the new complex would sit on about 23 acres at Adams Dairy Parkway and Napoleon Drive, near Adams Pointe Golf Club and James Walker Elementary School.

— Ilana Arougheti July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
The neighborhood will sit on the corner of Wagley Robertson Road and the still-to-come Heritage Trace Parkway.

— Rachel Royster July 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026

Definition of sit on

Verb

Monaco was the first place Djokovic put down roots outside of Serbia.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 July 2026
Customers for Peak who have put down a deposit include independent power providers Jupiter Power, Energy Vault and RWE Americas, who are connecting utilities, and increasingly data centers, with batteries.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of slap down

verb

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