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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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 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

Another term in the CN-UP memorandum aims to quell one of the STB’s concerns about Union Pacific’s potential controlling ownership of multiple local railroads that are currently jointly owned by the Class Is.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
Since then, the protests have only grown and spread across the country, leaving Modi’s government scrambling to quell them.

— Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 24 July 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

Jokes about Modi were rare during earlier protests, when his government was criticized for suppressing dissent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
The idea is to enable riders to accelerate earlier and utilize more of the motorcycle’s capabilities when traction gets erratic rather than just suppressing wheelspin.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

Trump spent time discussing the April attack in his remarks, thanking the law enforcement personnel who subdued the suspect.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 July 2026
The suspect in the shooting at the April dinner, Cole Tomas Allen, was subdued a floor above the ballroom after allegedly shooting a Secret Service officer in his ballistic vest while running through a security checkpoint.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Rather than sit on the sidelines hoping for a rate cut, buyers are moving forward now, banking on refinancing down the road if rates ever cooperate.

— Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 24 July 2026
The meeting attendees who packed the room had to stand or sit on the floor and use paper to fan themselves, but many stayed till the end of the four-hour-long public comment session.

— Leqi Zhong, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of sit on

Verb

After several years of working and living abroad as digital nomads, most recently in Portugal, the couple was looking for a place to put down roots while continuing their global work.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 24 July 2026
Phoenix put down a stake in the pecking order of the second division of MLP with a dominant 3-1 win over Florida.

— Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of put down

Browse Nearby Words

slapdash

slap down

slaphappy

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Style

“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of slap down

verb

Example Sentences

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