CRACK UP Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

crack-up 1 of 2

noun

ˈkrak-ˌəp

Definition of crack-up

as in breakdown

a mental or nervous collapse a crack-up required him to take a year off from work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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crack up

2 of 2

verb

as in to praise

to declare enthusiastic approval of that sports car isn't all it's cracked up to be

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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

Noun

By the end of 1857, no one knew the crack-up of the Union was coming in three years, or that the nation would be in a civil war in four, but the portents were bleak. — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026 The crack-up could also be precipitated by a severe financial crisis during which certain governments, such as France, could no longer sell their bonds. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Verb

Even so, the cost and cost recovery of each may not turn out as they were cracked up to be. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 But then Anton brings up the idea of Talia and Brooke using him as their sperm donor and Talia fully cracks up. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crack-up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack-up

Noun

Here’s a breakdown of the streaming platforms offering ABC for Grey’s Anatomy Season 23.

— Sophie Dunne, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
On June 11, WSU’s director of financial reporting asked Masterson for a breakdown of GoCreate’s software costs for the FY26 university audit.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of breakdown

Noun

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez was taken to the hospital with a head injury after receiving about 10 minutes of treatment following a nasty-looking collision while playing for Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Also, passenger road vehicles use safety features like steel bumpers and crumple zones to absorb impact forces during collisions.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of collision

Verb

Maiava echoed Riley’s sentiment when asked about Dyakonov, praising his ability to fill in for Paige on short notice.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Prior to the first game of the ALCS, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised the Tampa Bay and Cleveland general managers respectively.

— Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

Less than half a mile away, business owner Sierra Jordan told CNN the familiar sound of children laughing and playing outside at recess gave way to the frantic arrival of ambulances.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
At-large Councilwoman Victoria Watlington posted an Instagram video of herself laughing about the situation the morning after the meeting.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

The character was killed in a helicopter crash in Amritsar, Indian that also involved the Indian Prime Minister.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own.

— Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of crash

Verb

The distance from May to October meant that people probably felt a little freer to applaud Busch’s life, without concentrating too much on the details of his tragic and unexpected death.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026
Ormond’s lawyers issued a statement on Thursday applauding the ruling.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of applaud

Browse Nearby Words

cracks wise

crack-up

crack up

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of crack-up

noun

verb

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