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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of slap down
And that suggests his Justice Department will be less excited about slapping down the border initiatives championed by Abbott since the day Biden sent the former president packing.
—
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Aug. 2024
Here's a list of vaccine myths and facts that slaps down the persistent lies floating around social media and conspiracy websites.
—Matt Jancer, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2022
It’s been 10 years since film producer Cash Warren and his longtime buddies Alan Stuart and David Ehrenberg reached into their wallets and slapped down $1,500 each to start a sock company.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 15 July 2024
This is a court so conservative that it has been repeatedly slapped down by the Supreme Court, including in three out of 10 appeals from its rulings this term.
—Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for slap down 
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Aug. 2024
Here's a list of vaccine myths and facts that slaps down the persistent lies floating around social media and conspiracy websites.
—Matt Jancer, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2022
It’s been 10 years since film producer Cash Warren and his longtime buddies Alan Stuart and David Ehrenberg reached into their wallets and slapped down $1,500 each to start a sock company.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 15 July 2024
This is a court so conservative that it has been repeatedly slapped down by the Supreme Court, including in three out of 10 appeals from its rulings this term.
—Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
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It's even recently been associated with quelling aggression.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Feb. 2025
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Stocks bounced back a bit around mid-week after Microsoft and Facebook parent Meta reiterated their AI spending goals, quelling fears companies would pull back AI dollars.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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We’ve been conditioned to lead like men, to suppress our intuition, our empathy, and our softness.—
Dr. Brittany Chambers,
Forbes,
7 Feb. 2025
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The censors suppressed or bowdlerized countless works of genius.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Harissa, a hot chili pepper paste, is subdued by a zesty orange flavor.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2025
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Swift subdued Beauty brands aren’t making as many appearances at this year’s Super Bowl, despite Taylor Swift likely making another appearance to support her boyfriend, Chiefs player Travis Kelce.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … 'FIND SOME JOY' – Standup star urges people to put down their phones, step away from political rancor.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
6 Feb. 2025
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So, wanting to support his significant other, the OP put down $1,500 for the down payment, according to his post.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
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 22 Feb. 2025.
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