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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Recent Examples of slap down
The Sun’s reporting was once again slapped down by Liam on his X account on Monday (May 5), confirming that the song will appear on the setlist.
—
Thomas Smith, Billboard, 6 May 2025
Nationally, Americans are increasingly pulling money from home equity lines of credit, slapping down credit cards or turning to buy now, pay later services.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
He may get slapped down here and there by a court, but the message has already been received and continues to be received: Be careful.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025
The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.
—Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slap down
Thomas Smith, Billboard, 6 May 2025
Nationally, Americans are increasingly pulling money from home equity lines of credit, slapping down credit cards or turning to buy now, pay later services.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
He may get slapped down here and there by a court, but the message has already been received and continues to be received: Be careful.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025
The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.
—Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
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Trump sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to help quell the unrest over the weekend, against California Governor Gavin Newsom's wishes.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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Sending National Guard troops into a municipality to quell disturbances is not a solution in a free society.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
Verb
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In his motion to dismiss Bragg’s case, Mangione’s lawyers argued his statements to officers after his arrest should be suppressed because he wasn’t informed of his rights, which the DA’s office contests.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
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Young men might be more likely to suppress emotional expression, engage in risk-taking behavior, or use substances to cope with grief.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
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Yet, as trade tensions subdued, the stock rebounded 30% from its lowest point.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
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The reaction from the Yankee Stadium crowd was largely subdued during Dobbins’ pregame introduction.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
9 June 2025
Verb
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The Arab revolt was eventually put down, and Husseini fled to Nazi Germany — but not before inciting another pogrom in Baghdad, Iraq.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
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These have been put down to changes across all forms of government in the transition from Joe Biden's administration to Trump's second term in office.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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