CRACKED DOWN (ON) Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

cracked down (on)

verb

past tense of crack down (on)

as in suppressed

to put a stop to (something) by the use of force a repressive government that cracked down on political demonstrations

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for cracked down (on)

Verb

Some of the footage was played during a dayslong suppression hearing last December, when the defense argued evidence recovered during the arrest should be suppressed because Mangione’s backpack was improperly searched.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
The video included much of what was played during a three-week evidentiary hearing when defense attorneys argued the evidence should be suppressed.

— Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppressed

Verb

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever may have had their WNBA championship dreams quelled Thursday, but the star’s Nike Caitlin 1 signature sneaker story is just getting underway.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026
At the very least, a loss would have quelled any desire to inflict further consequences on Michigan.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of quelled

Verb

Europe has called for China to voluntarily reduce hybrid car exports into the continent, but authorities in Beijing have already slapped down the request, according to the Financial Times.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Then, the scene went dark as a Wanted poster of Shaboozey was slapped down on the barroom’s table.

— Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of slapped down

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cracked down (on)

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“Cracked down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cracked%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cracked down (on)

verb

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