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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 slap down
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
But Trump’s camp has already made sure to highlight attempts Biden has made to make good on his promise that have been slapped down.
—Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 June 2024
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.
—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
See all Example Sentences for slap down 
Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
But Trump’s camp has already made sure to highlight attempts Biden has made to make good on his promise that have been slapped down.
—Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 June 2024
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.
—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
See all Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
-
Recent fears about potential payroll disruptions due to budget delays were quelled by Robinson's assurance that a budget will be passed before the 15th, ensuring employees receive their paychecks.Eplunus Colvin, arkansasonline.com, 3 Jan. 2025
-
Riley issued a public statement in an effort to quell swirling Butler trade rumors last month, insisting Miami would not move on from its best two-way player this year.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Lipton felt the lack of scoring, excitement and substantial press coverage combined to suppress local support.Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
-
There must be severe consequences for the concerted effort to suppress the public’s knowledge of Biden’s cognitive deficits.Robert J. Delahunty, National Review, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Officers subdued her, handcuffed her and called fire rescue.Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
-
The ceremony, traditionally celebratory, was subdued as protesters gathered outside the Capitol in San Juan.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Though the storm largely subsided by Tuesday morning, another weather system forecast is expected to spread a wintry mess from Texas to the East Coast later this week, which means people likely won't be able to put down the shovels anytime soon.Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
-
Deciding how much to put down will come down to your own personal budget.Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 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 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share