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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crush
Carlton Reid, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The Broncos showed resilience on multiple occasions — after the 0-2 start, after the crushing loss to Kansas City and after losing in Weeks 16 and 17 in frustrating fashion.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2025
Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
Marsters represented yet another love object for Buffy, and yet another crush for Dawn, but his relationship with Dawn took on a unique, fatherly dimension that won the hearts of fans.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crush
Verb
There was speculation that the Cybertruck seized in Greater Manchester could be crushed.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The Broncos showed resilience on multiple occasions — after the 0-2 start, after the crushing loss to Kansas City and after losing in Weeks 16 and 17 in frustrating fashion.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
The late-night bashes offer A-listers, auteurs and glitterati the chance to fully relax without the crush of press lines, cameras and quote requests.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
Marsters represented yet another love object for Buffy, and yet another crush for Dawn, but his relationship with Dawn took on a unique, fatherly dimension that won the hearts of fans.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
-
Meanwhile, whole potatoes or potato chunks can be mashed or twice-baked.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
25 Feb. 2025
-
In a salad bowl, mash the anchovies and garlic together to make a paste.—
Georgeanne Brennan,
The Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Hearing that others experienced the same symptom for a period helped quell her frenzy.—
Erin Jensen,
USA TODAY,
6 Mar. 2025
-
To further soothe and calm the eye area, ginger and Centella Asiatica (known as cica) help quell inflammation.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
It’s certified organic by the JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards), which is recognized by the USDA, and it’s produced and ground into powder in Kagoshima, Japan.—
Lauryn Jiles,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Which country can field the best fiber-optic drones, and fastest, should have the edge as Russia’s wider war on Ukraine grinds into its fourth year.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The last time Wisconsin held an election for the state’s Supreme Court, Republicans cried foul over the wave of money from out-of-state Democrats that overwhelmed their candidate.—
Reid J. Epstein,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
-
But public transit and pedestrian advocates might point to these numbers as evidence that some cities are overwhelmed by cars and need to get serious about alternatives.—
Alex Fitzpatrick,
Axios,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Goldman Sachs previously estimated that these tariffs could increase inflation by 1 percent while squeezing U.S. company profits and risking retaliatory measures from other nations.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
-
The international order forged after World War II is imploding, squeezed on all sides by the return of strongmen, nationalism and spheres of influence — with President Trump leading the charge.—
Zachary Basu,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
On the day of the Hamas attack on Israel, Shem Tov crammed into a car full of people trying to flee, but the militants shot at them.—
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
TIME,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The Ravel survey makes for a three-hour evening of intense focus and finger work; the Prokofiev concerto probably crams the same amount of notes into about 35 minutes.—
Joshua Barone,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Cena, the 16-time world champion, hugged Rhodes, only to eerily smirk at The Rock while displaying a throat slash gesture.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Cena hugged him, but then followed a signal from the Rock to attack.—
Shaheem Reid,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Friedrich Nietzsche's idea of rationality, Apollonian, and the irrational passion, defined as Dionysian, have always been a sort of philosophical guide for Murano; his way of conceiving fashion.—
Alberto Calabrese,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The artists respected Julian; loved to come to play for him sensing his profound love and passion for music.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to crush
Cite this Entry
“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share