1
as in breakdown
a mental or nervous collapse
a crack-up required him to take a year off from work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in collision
the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact
two people were injured in a serious crack-up on the interstate
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to praise
to declare enthusiastic approval of
that sports car isn't all it's cracked up to be
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to blow up
to praise or publicize lavishly and often excessively
the movie is being cracked up as the blockbuster of the summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to laugh
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
try not to crack up at your own punch lines—it's funnier if you keep a straight face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crack-up
Emily Tamkin, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2023
The movie tracks Carl’s descent, his crack-up, and his slow waking up to reality.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2023
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024
Being in a boyband isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for crack-up 
Noun
Despite their differences on policy, there is little reason to expect a crack-up between the Hungarian and American right in the near future.
—Verb
Not everyone is convinced, however, that community banks are what they’re cracked up to be.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack-up
Noun
-
This breakdown also makes flaxseed more sensitive to oxidation or spoiling.Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 16 Dec. 2024
-
In a worrying echo of the breakdown in trust between Wolves and O’Neil’s predecessor Lopetegui, O’Neil’s confidence in the owners’ ability and willingness to back him was never restored.Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Previous observations from Hubble in 1994 hinted at the complexity of quasar environments, suggesting that galactic collisions and mergers play a key role in powering these celestial giants.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
-
While that collision was briefly avoided due to COVID-19, California once again is confronted with a Gann issue that can no longer be ignored.Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Tech billionaire Elon Musk and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk targeted Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who praised sitting FBI Director Christopher Wray, who resigned last week.Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
-
In 2024, culture is boring and stale due to the algorithms calling the shots on what gets produced and praised—or so the critics say.T.M. Brown, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Then there was the extremist militia guys hired by his biological father (Will Patton), which left Beth blown up in her office, Kayce in a gunfight, Monica and Tate fighting off killers and John Dutton left for dead by the side of the road.Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024
-
Only the most interesting people will have their entire lives blown up by their 30s.Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Witnesses told police that after doing so, Wallen allegedly laughed.Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
-
What’s more, learning is pretty easy when you’re either awestruck or laughing.Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
By the lights not sufficiently illuminating the roadway, the risk of a crash increases, the company said in a NHTSA report.Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Denver officers responded to reports of the scooter-train crash around 1 a.m. Sunday, near East 42nd Avenue and North Clayton Street and just south of Interstate 70, according to a statement from the police department.Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Creative agencies are applauded for their ability to deliver astounding results for their clients by leveraging top-tier talent and a significant amount of resources.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Loud ovations greeted the Carnegie performances, and the musicians themselves applauded their future leader.Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
While the airline advertises fares starting at $99, including government taxes and fees, Travel + Leisure uncovered several deals this winter for even less.Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024
-
In addition to accounting for about 60% of products sold, Amazon generates fees from providing fulfillment and shipping services as well as by offering customer support to sellers and charging them to advertise on the site.Ari Levy, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near crack-up
Cite this Entry
“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share