1
as in to subdue
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
the National Guard was called in to help quell the late-night disturbances downtown
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Recent Examples of quell
The only treatment to quell the allergic reaction is epinephrine, which historically has been administered through shots or auto-injectors, such as the EpiPen.
—
Natallie Rocha, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Ankara also recently struck a ceasefire deal to quell the decades-long insurgency waged by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) from Syria and Iraq.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
In an attempt to quell the fighting, Bell took a seat between Danson and Harper at their table.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
To further soothe and calm the eye area, ginger and Centella Asiatica (known as cica) help quell inflammation.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quell
Natallie Rocha, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Ankara also recently struck a ceasefire deal to quell the decades-long insurgency waged by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) from Syria and Iraq.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
In an attempt to quell the fighting, Bell took a seat between Danson and Harper at their table.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
To further soothe and calm the eye area, ginger and Centella Asiatica (known as cica) help quell inflammation.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quell
Verb
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He was subdued after an officer fired a beanbag round, striking Hermanson and allowing police to arrest him.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
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Canada’s democracy has frayed and strained in the years since, but always held—Quebec’s independence movement was subdued by real concessions from the rest of the provinces, for instance.—
Bill McKibben,
The New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In his 2023 address, President Joe Biden was repeatedly met with heckles and boos from some Republican lawmakers, leading then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to shush them, according to CNN.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
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Duke did things to Illinois on Saturday at Madison Square Garden, in a 110-67 eyeful that wasn’t as close as the final score, to shush talk of a weak ACC potentially costing Cooper and the fighting Flaggs a No. 1 seed.—
Joe Rexrode,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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So could a weight loss medication that blocks opiate receptors along with suppressing appetite be effective?—
Andrea Muraskin,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
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Consider the scenario of deeper economic stagnation: a prolonged downturn could significantly delay the recovery of the housing sector, exacerbating affordability struggles, and suppressing new residential construction.—
Ali Hoss,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Now, Homan’s administration wants to use the awesome powers of the federal law enforcement apparatus to intimidate and silence those who disagree with their policy agenda.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2025
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While Politkovskaya was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news, without fear of death or reprisal.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ed’s monstrous behavior under the influence of cortisone shatters the veneer of middle-class gentility to reveal the fault lines repressed beneath it.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
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With the movie itself proving its might across three different categories, Morris’ absence begs the question: How? —Joey Nolfi 12 of 13 SNUB: Challengers score Time to compress and repress your rage, as the Academy pulled the aux cord out from one of the best original scores of 2024.—
Joey Nolfi,
EW.com,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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He’s settled well on Merseyside, building tight bonds with fellow pros like Darwin Núñez and Alexis Mac Allister, and knows the Kop’s rocking song about his path to Merseyside and goalscoring endeavors.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons… MEDIA MIC DROP – Anti-woke comedian calls out liberals for rehashing a debate country has already settled.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The behind-the-scenes look opens with footage of a desperate emergency broadcast calling for help because Imperial ships were landing, filled with storm troopers intent on quashing any protesters or nascent rebels against the Empire who might be lurking about.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
5 Mar. 2025
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Kemp quashed the rebellion after his allies in the Legislature argued that Pathways needed more time to prove itself.—
Margaret Coker,
ProPublica,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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While brands cite rising ingredient costs, sustainability efforts, and product shelf-life concerns, these explanations may not be enough to hush growing skepticism.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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In that meeting, Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands for about 17 seconds and once again engaged in a handshake and hushed whispers that sparked public conversation.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quell. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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