cracking 1 of 3

cracking

2 of 3

adverb

cracking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of crack
1
as in popping
to break suddenly with an explosive sound the tree branch unexpectedly cracked under our weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in choking
to yield to mental or emotional stress after hours of tough questioning the suspect finally cracked and blurted out a confession

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in deciphering
to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language the United States military used the Navajo language as a code during World War II, and the enemy never cracked it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
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6

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 cracking
Adjective
Another uninspired performance coupled with a a heavy defeat may well spell the end for the Basque manager at the Emirates, so this fixture should have plenty of undertones and be a cracking game of football. SI.com, 28 Oct. 2019 This is shaping up to be a cracking game at Old Trafford that United will probably edge. SI.com, 6 Aug. 2019 His fortunes finally turned back Wednesday, when van Garderen laid down a cracking time trial at the Tour of California. sacbee, 16 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cracking
Adjective
  • Alabama got 24 points from Mark Sears and had excellent defensive stretches but couldn’t finish.
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 2 Mar. 2025
  • More Deebo Samuel news: 49ers Send Star WR Deebo Samuel to Commanders in Blockbuster Trade Samuel will take his talents to the nation's capital and look to take the Commanders to the next level after an excellent year for the young Washington team.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • And in a heartwarming turn of events, Wayans is extremely supportive of his child.
    Abby Monteil, Them, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The National World War II Museum Arguably the best World War II museum in the world, this comprehensive collection tells the story of the war that changed the world through impressive multimedia experiences, immersive exhibits, and an eye-popping number of artifacts and first-person detail.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Teased by Russo about the eye-popping value of the contract, Smith dismissed a report earlier this month by The Athletic pegging it at $120 million, going on to briefly elaborate on his dealmaking approach.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Cut smaller kids' meals into little bites to prevent choking.
    Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Thomas Conley, a second-grade student at Porter Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona, noticed that his friend was choking on a grape and sprang into action, according to local reports.
    Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Both retail and institutional interest led to holistic industry growth in 2024, driving new use cases and solving for real-world problems.
    Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • From automating repetitive tasks to solving complex problems, AI is transforming how software is designed, developed, and deployed.
    AllBusiness, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Rodin Cars The big idea behind Rodin is to build cars without bothering about vehicle regulations – in stark contrast to F1 cars, which are subject to several rules around how they're put together.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The city and state have also been ramping up efforts to engage troubled vagrants sleeping and sometimes bothering straphangers, connecting them with services and shelter and potentially involuntary treatment.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Although Seattle’s skill talent has been great, Smith has never played behind even an average offensive line, and his last two offensive coordinators weren’t good enough to keep their jobs.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • By Nellie Bowles March 31, 2020 Get Outside and Safely Visit a National Park Now is the time to start looking ahead, to spring and summer excursions in the great outdoors.
    Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • They have long since been known to be very controlling with video footage from tournament play.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • What really happened to the very large array of Legos on the living-room floor?
    Alyssa Brandt, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cracking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cracking. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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