Definitions

crack the whip

[krak-thuh wip, hwip] / ˈkræk ðə ˈwɪp, ˈʰwɪp /

ADJECTIVE

dictatorial

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absolute arbitrary arrogant autocratic dogmatic domineering haughty imperious oppressive overbearing totalitarian

WEAK

bossy clamorous crack-the-whip despotic dictative doctrinaire egotistic firm imperative iron-handed peremptory pompous proud stern throwing weight around unlimited unrestricted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

democratic humble meek obedient servile submissive yielding

WEAK

docile passive

ADJECTIVE

domineering

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogant autocratic bossy dictatorial imperious overbearing tyrannical

WEAK

coercive crack-the-whip despotic egotistic high-handed imperative imperial in driver's seat insolent iron-handed on high horse peremptory

Antonyms

STRONGEST

democratic humble servile

WEAK

submissive surrendering yielding

VERB

administer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administrate carry out conduct direct execute govern oversee supervise

STRONG

boss control head render run superintend

WEAK

be in the driver's seat be in the saddle head up hold the reins pull the strings pull the wires ride herd on run the show sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

leave neglect obey

STRONG

WEAK

deny forego frustrate mismanage refuse withhold

VERB

rule

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conduct control dominate lead order overrule prevail run take over

STRONG

administer bridle command curb decree dictate direct domineer guide predominate preponderate preside regulate reign restrain sway

WEAK

be in authority be in driver's seat be in power hold sway hold the reins keep under one's thumb lay down the law rule the roost run the show sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

follow lose obey surrender

STRONG

misguide mislead mismanage neglect release serve submit

WEAK

plead

VERB

rule the roost

Synonyms

WEAK

play first fiddle ride herd wear the pants

VERB

supervise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administer conduct deal with direct handle inspect look after oversee take care of

STRONG

boss chaperon control overlook quarterback run superintend survey

WEAK

be in charge be in driver's seat be in the saddle be on duty be responsible for call the play call the shots keep an eye on preside over ride herd on run the show run things sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

mismanage neglect

STRONG

follow serve

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.

“Gazing wistfully at my future home while I wait for James to crack the whip on the contractors and herd the cats,” Saylor wrote.

From Washington Post • Nov. 14, 2022

"Before she could say you're not going on TV ... But now she can't crack the whip like a prime minister normally does," the veteran Conservative said.

From Reuters • Jul. 5, 2017

It might be folklore, but there are tales of Romar, after games in which he felt the team played too soft for his liking, letting Dollar crack the whip in practice.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2017

No surprise to learn that Wags is a friend, but the office doesn’t really need two Wagses to crack the whip on wavering staffers.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2017

This enabled the two Voyagers to use a "gravity assist" technique in which the craft were successively flung from one gassy giant to the next in a kind of cosmic version of "crack the whip."

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

crack the whip

Example Sentences

Related Words