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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Recent Examples of slap down
Trump slapped down a small group of blue state Republican lawmakers, mostly from the New York suburbs, who are pushing for a big increase in the deduction for state and local taxes, or SALT.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
He was slapped down by Justice Roger B. Taney (yes, that Taney, the author of the Dred Scott decision).
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
The Sun’s reporting was once again slapped down by Liam on his X account on Monday (May 5), confirming that the song will appear on the setlist.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 6 May 2025
Nationally, Americans are increasingly pulling money from home equity lines of credit, slapping down credit cards or turning to buy now, pay later services.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slap down
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
He was slapped down by Justice Roger B. Taney (yes, that Taney, the author of the Dred Scott decision).
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
The Sun’s reporting was once again slapped down by Liam on his X account on Monday (May 5), confirming that the song will appear on the setlist.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 6 May 2025
Nationally, Americans are increasingly pulling money from home equity lines of credit, slapping down credit cards or turning to buy now, pay later services.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
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One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
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The community town hall did little to quell resident's concerns.—
David Ferrara,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed their operations, bringing the fire under control in under 30 minutes, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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That same resolution created Palestine, which Israel has refused to recognize and has fought to suppress ever since.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Nimmo’s celebration upon hitting the grand slam was subdued.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
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This season blended bold designs, subdued silhouettes and interesting footwear to tell us one thing: menswear is slowly but surely becoming on-par with its female counterpart.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Unplug Illinois is a campaign created by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to encourage people to put down their electronic devices and instead play, explore creative fun and enjoy friends, according to city website information.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
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Many put down roots while others moved on, restless to find even more land, fewer people, more freedom, and better soil.—
James Dodson
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slap down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slap%20down. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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