1
2
as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
the government is doing everything to crush the latest guerrilla uprising
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grind
to reduce to fine particles
crushed the baby's medicine tablet and mixed it with applesauce
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
the terrible news of her death simply crushed the entire family
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
6
7
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
she tearfully crushed the child to her breast
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in swarm
a great number of persons or creatures massed together
the huge crush in the store must have far exceeded safety limits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of crush
Barbara Hoare, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Matsuoka’s speechless wife becomes obsessed with collecting and recycling trash bags filled with plastic cans, crushing them underfoot with a giddy gaze on her face.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
By noon, much of the pressure on the TSA checkpoints at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood had been alleviated, with much smaller lines than the crush of travelers before sunrise.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crush
Verb
Insurance companies have the capacity to relieve patients and employers from crushing premium increases.
—Barbara Hoare, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Matsuoka’s speechless wife becomes obsessed with collecting and recycling trash bags filled with plastic cans, crushing them underfoot with a giddy gaze on her face.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
The 2025 title was RCB's first, but the celebrations turned tragic when at least 11 people died in a deadly crowd crush at the team’s stadium.
—ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
By noon, much of the pressure on the TSA checkpoints at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood had been alleviated, with much smaller lines than the crush of travelers before sunrise.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
-
The Bobcats collected 11 hits and mashed four home runs, including Harley Vestal's first of the season.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Then remove a cup or two of the beans to mash and return to the pot to serve with cornbread.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Redick shouted out Bronny James for his efforts against Indiana after the game, lauding his defensive intensity – often being switched onto Pacers All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, and holding his own – along with a late mid-range jumper that quelled concerns of a once-improbable Indiana comeback.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
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That change didn’t quell the concerns of some lawmakers in both parties, who questioned the wisdom of extending the hours for liquor sales on the grounds that doing so could increase the risk of drunk driving incidents.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
With activity in the Strait of Hormuz grinding to a near halt, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is predicting a sharp slowdown in global trade.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
What remains is a grinding war with no clear endpoint and no coherent strategy.—
Kazem Kazerounian,
Hartford Courant,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Home buyers have gained even more leverage over sellers as housing market supply continues to overwhelm tepid demand.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Ultimately, the Gophers — making their first NCAA tournament since 2018, and first Sweet 16 since 2005 — were overwhelmed by their Big Ten rival’s size and experience.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
House rebels view the attempt to squeeze the SAVE America Act into reconciliation, a restrictive budget process that requires all language to have a direct fiscal impact, as capitulation and want to see the entire bill, including its mandates on voter ID and proof of citizenship, signed into law.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2026
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Priced at just £600, the 13-inch Neo squeezes many of the MacBook Air’s best features into a device that is far more affordable.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Her discography, which dates back to 2011, is crammed with unfrilly, relatable details that smack of being broke and twentysomething, like looking for a place to pee, or admitting her preferred coffee brand is still Chock full o’Nuts.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
31 Mar. 2026
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Spreading protein across breakfast, lunch and dinner also works better than cramming it into one meal.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The couple hugged, burying their faces in each other’s shoulders.—
Justin Jouvenal,
Washington Post,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Bay Harbor consists of two islands hugging the Broad Causeway, which stretches just west of Bal Harbour to North Miami.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Let that passion carry you through the busier stretches.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Family comes first, and mom leads the way for the Carusos, and their passion is Chicago's famous signature condiment, giardiniera.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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