Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

crack down

VERB
compel
Synonyms
STRONGEST
constrain enforce exact impel necessitate oblige urge
STRONG
bulldoze coerce concuss dragoon drive hustle make restrain squeeze
WEAK
make necessary put the arm on put the chill on shotgun throw weight around turn on the heat
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dissuade
STRONG
discourage halt leave alone stop
WEAK
block check delay deter hinder impede obstruct
VERB
enforce
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accomplish administer apply carry out implement impose invoke prosecute reinforce require sanction
STRONG
administrate coerce commandeer compel constrain demand dictate discharge dragoon drive effect emphasize exact execute exert expect extort fortify fulfill goad hound impel incite lash make necessitate oblige perform press spur strain stress strong-arm support urge whip wrest
WEAK
egg on force upon insist on lean on put into effect put screws to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease halt not finish refuse stop
STRONG
check delay deter disapprove discourage dissuade fail forget give ignore leave alone let go lose miss neglect prevent release repress
WEAK
abandon disregard drop forego give up overlook
VERB
restrain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confine constrain control curb curtail detain deter govern hamper hinder inhibit keep down kill limit prevent repress restrict subdue suppress
STRONG
arrest bind bridle chain check circumscribe contain control cool cork debar delimit direct fetter gag guide harness hold impound imprison jail keep manacle muzzle pinion proscribe stay
WEAK
bottle up box up choke back hem in hogtie keep in line lock up pull back sit on tie down tie up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist encourage free help let go liberate permit promote release start turn on
STRONG
abandon forsake give up leave loose loosen misguide mislead neglect set free
VERB
stifle
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curb muzzle repress silence smother squelch strangle suffocate suppress
STRONG
asphyxiate burke check choke constipate cork extinguish gag hush kill muffle spike squash stagnate stop stultify torpedo trammel
WEAK
black out bring to screeching halt choke back clam up clamp down cover up dry up hold it down hush up put the lid on shut up sit on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow encourage free let go loose release
STRONG
aid assist bear begin create help start
WEAK
persuade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Magyar, a former government insider turned critic, is offering voters a radical break from Orban's self-described "illiberal" system, vowing to crack down on corruption and improve public services.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The bill — which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and later confirmed by MarketWatch — aims to crack down on sporting-event contracts regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission specifically.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

“The impulse will be to further crack down on all sorts of expressions of religious or ethnic identity.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

As mayor he was criticised by rights groups for using the police against street vendors in a heavy-handed manner, as he worked to keep roads clear in the capital and crack down on unlicensed businesses.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Police were instructed to crack down on drivers, stopping them and questioning them at every opportunity.

From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose