Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for crack the whip. Search instead for cracking whip.
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
follow
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.

"Shows I don't crack the whip when I am not in the country!," the message continues.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

“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

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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.