slap down

verb

Definition of slap downnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Council plans Hammersmith and Fulham, the local council where the trial is happening, has previously slapped down bike sharing companies for cluttering up streets, but Lime and Human Forest both operate there now. — Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Whether or not that played into the Board of Medicine’s actions, the body slapped down the Settlement Agreement and offered a Counter Settlement Agreement, which Simmons accepted. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025 Biden didn’t respond to those demands directly, leaving it to Schumer and Jeffries to slap down Trump’s debt-limit demand. — Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024 Recent examples of people acting out of this same humble presumption—and being slapped down for it—are abundant. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
  1. quell
  2. suppress
  3. subdue
  4. put down
Verb
  • Killorn had quelled the Rangers momentum with a short-handed equalizer less than two minutes before New York reassumed control.
    — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Here and there, far from Meemaw’s grave, a few small trees attempted, unsuccessfully, to quell the rage of a Texas sun.
    — Robert Moor, Outside Online, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of quell
Verb
  • To tell the Blue Devils, basically, not to suppress their emotions.
    — Brendan Marks, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The new, later Equal Pay Day marks a troubling reminder of how systemic barriers—ranging from occupational segregation to discrimination in hiring and promotion—continue to suppress the earning power of Black women.
    — Jasmine Browley, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of suppress
Verb
  • The clean, modern lines, subdued colors, abundant natural light, and open floor plan all checked out.
    — Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Looking ahead, Wolf reckoned that EMs can move higher if the U.S. dollar continues to weaken and the impact of tariffs on overall trade is subdued.
    — Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • The top golfers are putting down their clubs and pulling up a chair ahead of Masters Tournament.
    — Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Zaca Mesa Winery put down roots in 1973 and became the first in the region to plant Syrah in 1978.
    — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of put down

Browse Nearby Words

slapdash
slap down
slaphappy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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