1
as in breakdown
a mental or nervous collapse
a crack-up required him to take a year off from work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in collision
the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact
two people were injured in a serious crack-up on the interstate
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to praise
to declare enthusiastic approval of
that sports car isn't all it's cracked up to be
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to blow up
to praise or publicize lavishly and often excessively
the movie is being cracked up as the blockbuster of the summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to laugh
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
try not to crack up at your own punch lines—it's funnier if you keep a straight face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 crack-up
Emily Tamkin, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2023
The movie tracks Carl’s descent, his crack-up, and his slow waking up to reality.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2023
USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024
Lamorne cracked up at the suggestion, then quietly orchestrated a face-to-face.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for crack-up 
Noun
Despite their differences on policy, there is little reason to expect a crack-up between the Hungarian and American right in the near future.
—Emily Tamkin, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2023
The movie tracks Carl’s descent, his crack-up, and his slow waking up to reality.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2023
Verb
Read the full Cancer Daily Horoscope Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Is an investment not what it’s cracked up to be?
—USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024
Lamorne cracked up at the suggestion, then quietly orchestrated a face-to-face.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for crack-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack-up
Noun
-
Here’s a breakdown of the Bucks’ scenarios heading into Tuesday night.Brian Sampson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
-
Age breakdown was 25% under 12, 20% between 35-44, 16% 25-34, 15% 13-17, 12% 18-24, 9% 45-54 and 4% over 55.Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Previous observations from Hubble in 1994 hinted at the complexity of quasar environments, suggesting that galactic collisions and mergers play a key role in powering these celestial giants.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
-
While that collision was briefly avoided due to COVID-19, California once again is confronted with a Gann issue that can no longer be ignored.Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Quite a few commenters praised the bride's brother for supporting his sister and being a voice of reason.Erin Clack, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
-
By praising actions that leverage their strengths to fulfill their mission, individuals feel understood and valued.Kunio Hara, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
On the second play of the game, Jefferson blew up London on his way to a run stuff of Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who labored his way to 102 yards on a 3.9 yards per carry average.Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024
-
Would we be encouraged to throw our smartphones away, at a minimum, and maybe even quit our laptop jobs and dedicate our free time to data-poisoning and blowing up cell towers?Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Witnesses told police that after doing so, Wallen allegedly laughed.Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
-
What’s more, learning is pretty easy when you’re either awestruck or laughing.Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
By the lights not sufficiently illuminating the roadway, the risk of a crash increases, the company said in a NHTSA report.Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Authorities are asking that anyone with videos or photos of the crash send them to PSCityGovernmentMedia@palmspringsca.gov.Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Creative agencies are applauded for their ability to deliver astounding results for their clients by leveraging top-tier talent and a significant amount of resources.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Loud ovations greeted the Carnegie performances, and the musicians themselves applauded their future leader.Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
While the airline advertises fares starting at $99, including government taxes and fees, Travel + Leisure uncovered several deals this winter for even less.Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024
-
In addition to accounting for about 60% of products sold, Amazon generates fees from providing fulfillment and shipping services as well as by offering customer support to sellers and charging them to advertise on the site.Ari Levy, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near crack-up
Cite this Entry
“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share