as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
the need to clamp down on petty crime in the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clamp down (on)
Verb
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Anti-Diversity Policies: The U.S. State Department is seeking to quell a diplomatic tempest roiling Europe after several American Embassies sent letters to foreign contractors instructing them to certify their compliance with Trump’s policies aimed at unraveling diversity programs.—
Victoria Kim,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025 -
Rubio sought to quell anxieties among his European counterparts as Trump’s tariffs take effect, the president mulls withdrawing from NATO altogether and U.S. support for Ukraine hangs in the balance.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To tell the Blue Devils, basically, not to suppress their emotions.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
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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
Verb
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Subdued volatility Unlike traditional assets, bitcoin’s pops and drops were relatively subdued this week, which some investors took as a mark of its maturity.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
12 Apr. 2025
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Up until last week, the president had been more subdued in his criticism of the central bank than in his first term.—
Colby Smith,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Clamp down (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clamp%20down%20%28on%29. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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