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

Here’s how to get your mismatched food containers organized and quell the cabinet chaos.

— Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
An 8-5 record in year one did little to quell those grumblings, and the recruiting was stagnating behind other SEC rivals like Alabama and LSU.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

Ukraine's air force said Russian forces launched several missiles and 106 drones into the country in its latest barrage, of which three missiles and 85 drones were shot down or otherwise suppressed.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Mulch also helps suppress weeds and dissuades strawberry pests like slugs.

— Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of suppress

Verb

Strait of Hormuz crossings remained uneventful over the past week as traffic remains subdued amid little progress in negotiations to reopen the vital oil conduit.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026
The tough-talking lawman said the 380-volt stun gloves would give Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents a useful tool to subdue detainees or protesters that resist their actions without opening fire on them.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

The Penn State campus happens to sit on a karst formation, where water has slowly altered limestone bedrock, potentially creating a variety of weak spots.

— John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
The two military members were handcuffed and placed in base vehicles, while the civilian reporters were ordered to sit on a curb.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of sit on

Browse Nearby Words

slapdash

slap down

slaphappy

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“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of slap down

verb

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