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
Relevance
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
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
And that suggests his Justice Department will be less excited about slapping down the border initiatives championed by Abbott since the day Biden sent the former president packing.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Aug. 2024
Here's a list of vaccine myths and facts that slaps down the persistent lies floating around social media and conspiracy websites.
—Matt Jancer, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for slap down
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
And that suggests his Justice Department will be less excited about slapping down the border initiatives championed by Abbott since the day Biden sent the former president packing.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Aug. 2024
Here's a list of vaccine myths and facts that slaps down the persistent lies floating around social media and conspiracy websites.
—Matt Jancer, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
-
The state has scrambled to quell the labor dispute.—
Jay Root,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Colloidal oatmeal helps quell any requisite inflammation, while tranexamic acid works to fade spots.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
But the desire to fit in with the group or to avoid conflict can often cause individuals to suppress or hide their authentic self.—
Tyler Shepherd,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Experts say many of Trump's supporters see the dozens of felony convictions against the president in a separate case in New York as part of an establishment ploy to suppress their discontent.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
As the film concludes, Dr. Cawley and Dr. Sheehan exchange a glance before Andrew (a.k.a. Teddy) is apprehended by guards, which indicates that he will be forced to undergo a lobotomy to subdue his violent behavior.—
Nicole Briese,
People.com,
19 Feb. 2025
-
The pub is first and foremost a refuge from women, occasionally a place to display them, more often a scene of affirmation in the business of subduing them.—
Rachel Cusk,
Harper's Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The other investors and buyers who put down deposits will be treated equally and reimbursed from the sales proceeds pro rata.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Most exciting is the sensation of each of the four wheels digging and grabbing, clawing to put down torque, all metered by fine scripting, virtually no power wasted.—
Mark Ewing,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share