SLAP DOWN Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

slap down

verb

Definition of slap down

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

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 Right away, he got slapped down by the Revolutionary Guard. — NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026 The White House argued that a national security law dating back to the 1970s—the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—gives the President the authority to declare an emergency and slap down tariffs on his own. — Philip Wang, Time, 21 Jan. 2026 Time and time again, courts have slapped down these strong-arm tactics that lack the force of law. — Bob Morgan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026 The production runs for 2026 and 2027 are sold out, but future flyers can jump in the queue for the 2028 build now by slapping down a deposit of US$8,000. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slap down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down

Verb

The Washington National Guard is sending members to assist as emergency crews work to quell the blazes.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Although, the European Court of Justice did rule in 2023 that both UEFA’s and FIFA’s efforts to quell the upstart league violated the EU’s competition laws.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of quell

Verb

Trump spent time discussing the April attack in his remarks, thanking the law enforcement personnel who subdued the suspect.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 July 2026
The suspect in the shooting at the April dinner, Cole Tomas Allen, was subdued a floor above the ballroom after allegedly shooting a Secret Service officer in his ballistic vest while running through a security checkpoint.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Plush owls are packed into the kind of old-fashioned leather cases which feature prominently in the Potter films while toys of the stars sit on shimmering circular brass shelves next to decorative magical artifacts such as candles and crystal balls.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The tiny Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla sit on the northern shores of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.

— Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 31 July 2026

Definition of sit on

Verb

Following her divorce, Frankie decides to put down roots in a glamorous London neighborhood, just her and her cat Blue.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials may be a generation strongly associated with a love of travel, but many of them are now looking to put down roots.

— Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

Definition of put down

Browse Nearby Words

slapdash

slap down

slaphappy

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“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of slap down

verb

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