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
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Recent Examples of slap down
And that suggests his Justice Department will be less excited about slapping down the border initiatives championed by Abbott since the day Biden sent the former president packing.
—
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Aug. 2024
Here's a list of vaccine myths and facts that slaps down the persistent lies floating around social media and conspiracy websites.
—Matt Jancer, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2022
It’s been 10 years since film producer Cash Warren and his longtime buddies Alan Stuart and David Ehrenberg reached into their wallets and slapped down $1,500 each to start a sock company.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 15 July 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for slap down 
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Aug. 2024
Here's a list of vaccine myths and facts that slaps down the persistent lies floating around social media and conspiracy websites.
—Matt Jancer, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2022
It’s been 10 years since film producer Cash Warren and his longtime buddies Alan Stuart and David Ehrenberg reached into their wallets and slapped down $1,500 each to start a sock company.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 15 July 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for slap down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slap down
Verb
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But the quicker files are made available, the quicker conspiracy theories could be quelled.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
TIME,
31 Jan. 2025
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The deal could quell activist investor Ananym, which Reuters reported was pressing for a board refresh, succession planning and a sale of Henry Schein's medical distribution business.—
Claire Rychlewski,
Axios,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Demographers have found little, if any, evidence that EWIs harm or suppress the employment or wages of local people.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
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To keep shooting, Pasha must suppress his rage and only dares to carry out small protests — such as playing the U.S. national anthem sung by Lady Gaga — but those are enough to earn him suspicion.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Yes, the festival felt subdued with less star power than years past.—
Mia Galuppo,
The Hollywood Reporter,
1 Feb. 2025
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Nigh was subdued and taken into custody without further incident.—
Greg Norman,
Fox News,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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United could put down Garnacho’s sale as pure profit due to Profit and Sustainability Rules, but this would prove the club isn’t serious about competing at the top of English soccer any time soon.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
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West End, a residential area adjacent to the downtown core, is filled with historic homes that have endured among the area’s red-hot residential boom over the past decade or two and has become increasingly attractive to buyers looking to put down roots in a convenient, walkable location.—
Emma Reynolds,
Robb Report,
24 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 8 Feb. 2025.
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