squash

verb

ˈskwäsh How to pronounce squash (audio)
Definition of squashnext
1
as in to mash
to cause to become a pulpy mass the sort of person who couldn't even squash a bug

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force squashed any effort to reform the country's power structure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 squash Shred squash and fold into zucchini bread batter, feature fresh kernels in cornbread, or use mashed bananas, applesauce, or pumpkin to replace half of the butter in baked goods. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2026 The scant few remaining Arm compatibility concerns revolve around old printers and proprietary apps, but these have been all but squashed for the average user. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026 In one montage played for laughs, an emperor is squashed by a panda and a king is beheaded, although there is no blood or guts to speak of. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Making squash casserole on a sheet pan instead of a casserole dish means there's even more surface are to cover with the crispy topping. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for squash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squash
  1. mash
  2. quell
  3. crush
  4. suppress
  5. pulp
  6. subdue
  7. squeeze
  8. quash
Verb
  • The Guardians went into that game last in the league in homers — and then mashed six off a guy who had just made the All-Star team the week before?
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Begin by mashing the garlic and a bit of salt with the flat side of a chef’s knife, then work in the basil in handfuls until finely chopped.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026
Definition of mash
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
  • Bauers then crushed a three-run homer to right, the ball leaving his bat at 110 mph and traveling 424 feet, for a 6-0 lead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The death toll rose to 57 on Friday on the Spanish side of the border, Reuters reported, including some who drowned and others who were crushed while trying to climb the breakwater that holds the border fence.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of crush
Verb
  • People may suppress their personality, emotions, or opinions to fit workplace expectations.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As the left and right argue, the disproportionate influence of a select few suppresses the will of the majority.
    — Susan Ostermann, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of suppress
Verb
  • Mathieu Lewis-Rolland / Getty Images The tank was designed to hold 900,000 gallons of a hazardous chemical known as white liquor, a chemical brew that contains sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate and is used in the paper-pulping process, officials have said.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 31 May 2026
  • The proprietary alkaline pulping method used to produce its lyocell is cleaner and more efficient than traditional chemical approaches, lowering the environmental footprint from the start while improving production efficiency.
    — SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 29 Dec. 2025
Definition of pulp
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
  • Yet despite their clear burnout, most can’t afford to simply quit; not with the cost of living squeezing every paycheck, AI already closing in on entry-level roles, and one of the toughest job markets in years waiting on the other side.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • As a result, in 2015-16, regulators delayed the crab season for months, ultimately squeezing the typical seven months down to roughly two.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • On July 15, the NYT filed a motion to quash the subpoenas seeking grand jury testimony.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026
  • The New York Times had asked the court to quash them, describing the demands as an attempt to intimidate its reporters.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2026
Definition of quash

Browse Nearby Words

squarish
squash
squashed
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Cite this Entry

“Squash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squash. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on squash

Nglish: Translation of squash for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squash

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