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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of slap down
He was slapped down by Justice Roger B. Taney (yes, that Taney, the author of the Dred Scott decision).
—
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for slap down
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
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Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell defended his department’s handling of recent protests, saying officers acted appropriately to quell unrest — pushing back against criticism about aggressive crowd control tactics used during demonstrations against President Trump’s immigration crackdown.—
Libor Jany,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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President Donald Trump just announced a ceasefire between the Middle Eastern countries—potentially quelling oil market fears of Iran’s plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway to global oil trade.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Fed up with the government’s inaction, a group of residents created Polish Smog Alert, an advocacy organization pushing for legislation to suppress the smog.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Trump is unsurprisingly attracted to this paradise for the ultra-wealthy, where money is speech, labor is suppressed, dissent is criminalized and a monarch holds all power.—
Sonali Kolhatkar,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2025
Verb
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Many of these women, though seemingly silent or subdued, speak volumes through their emotions and inner turmoil.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2025
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The overall market reaction to the attacks between the longtime regional foes has, admittedly, been fairly subdued since the strikes began late Thursday local time in New York.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
18 June 2025
Verb
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This graphic novel is funny, spooky, heartfelt, and tough to put down.—
Caroline Carlson
June 30,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2025
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Gilbert was badly wounded in the attack and had to be put down.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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