as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
public protests against the dictatorial government were always promptly slapped down
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Recent Examples of slap down
That was, of course, not the high court’s decision, and in fact the court slapped down Arizona’s attempt to preempt federal powers on immigration.
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New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2024
In 2021, employees raised alarms that efforts to bypass the algorithm — and pay for longer rehab stays — were getting slapped down at higher levels of the organization.
—Elaine Chen Reprints, STAT, 7 May 2024
Lonely drug lord complains about US prison conditions as judge slaps down request.
—Fox News, 17 Apr. 2024
Put your rubber mask on, girl, and slap down some real sound!
—Anne Carson, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for slap down 
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2024
In 2021, employees raised alarms that efforts to bypass the algorithm — and pay for longer rehab stays — were getting slapped down at higher levels of the organization.
—Elaine Chen Reprints, STAT, 7 May 2024
Lonely drug lord complains about US prison conditions as judge slaps down request.
—Fox News, 17 Apr. 2024
Put your rubber mask on, girl, and slap down some real sound!
—Anne Carson, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
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Sabrina Carpenter The nature of Mendes' relationship with Sabrina Carpenter was always officially labeled as a friendship—but that did little to quell speculation.Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
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The external chaos was leaking into his personal life, manifesting itself into a series of indignities that did little to quell his anxiety about a country turned upside down.Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Some voters may view restrictions on electioneering as suppressing their First Amendment rights, Huefner noted.Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024
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The crowd erupted, and Jimmy celebrated behind him, while Jey tried to suppress his laughter.David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
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If shelter cost inflation remains subdued, that may help move U.S. inflation lower still.Simon Moore, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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Another video shows a heated exchange between a man and two officers, culminating in the man being handcuffed, visibly bloodied and subdued with a stun gun.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Calling itself the oldest African restaurant in New York City, Massawa put down roots in 1988 and has been delighting guests ever since.Jasmine Browley, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024
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Ultra Running Coach, Trails and Tarmac owner, running shoe reviewer, and podcaster Brett Hornig put down well over 100 running miles testing layers in wintry conditions.Nathan Pipenberg, Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near slap down
Cite this Entry
“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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