1
2
as in quelling
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 grinding
to reduce to fine particles
crushed the baby's medicine tablet and mixed it with applesauce
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in devastating
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
the terrible news of her death simply crushed the entire family
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in squeezing
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of
after crushing the grapes, let the skins soak in the juice in order to extract some color
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in cramming
to fit (people or things) into a tight space
the desperate refugees were crushed into the back of the truck
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in hugging
to put one's arms around and press tightly
she tearfully crushed the child to her breast
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in overwhelming
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of crushing
Chad Jennings, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Higher taxes crushing working families.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The power of Tactical Destruction brings an entirely new level of strategy to the genre, as players create their own paths to victory or turn the environment into their own deadly weapon while crushing opposing squads.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025
Where its larger cousin evolved for brute strength with thick legs and a bone-crushing bite, Nanotyrannus took a different approach to hunting prey.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
As her weight rose, so did the teasing and bullying, crushing her confidence and feeding a harsh inner critic.
—Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Americans have a bone to pick with colleges, as Gen Z graduates are leaving school with crushing student loans and a lack of job opportunities.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
The Mean Green would rattle off 37 unanswered points in the game’s final 21 minutes, crushing any hopes of a respectable scoreboard.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
One of the first events to signal the collapse of Napoleon's reign was his crushing defeat after an invasion of Russia in 1812.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Even with that crushing blow, the totality of Hoffman’s postseason was excellent.
—Chad Jennings, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Higher taxes crushing working families.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The power of Tactical Destruction brings an entirely new level of strategy to the genre, as players create their own paths to victory or turn the environment into their own deadly weapon while crushing opposing squads.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025
Where its larger cousin evolved for brute strength with thick legs and a bone-crushing bite, Nanotyrannus took a different approach to hunting prey.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
As her weight rose, so did the teasing and bullying, crushing her confidence and feeding a harsh inner critic.
—Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Americans have a bone to pick with colleges, as Gen Z graduates are leaving school with crushing student loans and a lack of job opportunities.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
The Mean Green would rattle off 37 unanswered points in the game’s final 21 minutes, crushing any hopes of a respectable scoreboard.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
One of the first events to signal the collapse of Napoleon's reign was his crushing defeat after an invasion of Russia in 1812.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crushing
Verb
-
The two-time All-Star became the third player in Yankees history to record a 30-30 season after mashing 31 home runs and stealing 31 bases.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
In addition to hype surrounding the pie itself, shoppers are sharing their love for mashing a piece of the pumpkin pie in a cup of Costco soft serve ice cream (available in the food court) to make a do-it-yourself sundae.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Mann also had a steal and subsequent layup near the tail end of the first quarter, quelling any fears about his health after missing most of last season with a back issue.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Ellis last week expanded her restraining order, requiring all federal agents with body cameras involved in quelling protests to have them on when encountering demonstrators.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The month-long blockade by the JNIM armed group has set off long queues at petrol stations in Bamako and other major cities, grinding economic activity to a halt.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The site included installations for processing grapes, along with cisterns used to supply water and grinding stones.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That changed after Inter’s devastating 5–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final — the worst defeat in the competition’s history.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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Sol Price had relinquished his official leadership role, and Robert’s fifteen-year-old son had recently died of cancer, devastating the family.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The thick elastic waistband fits snugly without squeezing, and the wide legs are flowy and casual, giving even more movement with subtle pleats at the front.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Raise your arms, legs and head (in a neutral position) off the mat, squeezing your glutes and bracing your core.—
Leoni Jesner,
Health,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Coffee maker brands have, increasingly, been cramming more and more brewing options into a single machine.—
Emily Farris,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Now Governor Healey and the homeless industrial complex have set their heart on over-cramming capacity on Redlands Road.—
Lou Murray,
Boston Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After not being seen together again for a few months, Perry and Trudeau were then photographed in September, hugging and kissing on a yacht off the coast of Santa Barbara.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The boots boasted a slim high heel, pointy toe and ankle-hugging silhouette.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Footwear News,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Lizzo’s understanding of a litany of online phrases is coherent enough, albeit overwhelming to hear all in succession.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Since making her major-label debut in April 2024, eill has enthralled countless people with her unparalleled voice and her overwhelming musical sensibilities.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crushing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crushing. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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