Synonyms of squash

squash

verb

ˈskwäsh 

1

as in to mash

to cause to become a pulpy mass

the sort of person who couldn't even squash a bug

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mash
• crush
• pulp
• squeeze
• press
• powder
• beat
• pound
• pulverize

2

as in to quell

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force

squashed any effort to reform the country's power structure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• quell
• suppress
• subdue
• crush
• quash
• repress
• sit on
• squelch
• silence
• destroy
• crack down (on)
• stifle
• overcome
• extinguish
• snuff (out)
• clamp down (on)
• slap down
• put down
• throttle
• demolish
• smother
• smash
• decimate
• wipe out
• dominate
• put out
• ruin
• conquer
• annihilate
• obliterate
• exterminate
• waste
• douse
• wreck
• quench
• strangle
• subjugate
• desolate
• nuke
• vanquish
• overwhelm
• overpower
• devastate
• rub out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• support
• assist
• aid
• back
• stir
• provoke
• forward
• promote
• encourage
• cultivate
• prop up
• foster
• nurture
• abet
• incite
• foment
• advance
• further
• whip (up)
• instigate
• nourish

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of squash

Plus, did parking issues squash this River Market restaurant? — Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026

Much has been said about the end of quiet luxury—the vibrant menswear collections over the summer finally squashed that conversation entirely, actually. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Denzel Washington was to have starred in an ambitious Netflix movie centered on rebellious general Hannibal until its high cost squashed it. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026

Uthmeier, in addition to being the governor’s right hand, chaired Keep Florida Clean, a political committee fighting to squash Amendment 3, which would have legalized marijuana. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026