crack-up 1 of 2

noun

ˈkrak-ˌəp How to pronounce crack-up (audio)
Definition of crack-upnext
1
as in breakdown
a mental or nervous collapse a crack-up required him to take a year off from work

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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

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crack up

2 of 2

verb

1
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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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

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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

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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
So here’s another communal chance to crack up at Steve O being launched into orbit inside a Port-a-Potty! — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026 Paige, known for his tall tales, would crack up other members of the organization. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crack-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crack-up
  1. breakdown
  2. collision
  3. praise
  4. blow up
  5. laugh
  6. crash
  7. applaud
  8. advertise
Noun
  • Although the city does not give a breakdown of jobs by category, the creator economy has fueled some of the growth in the city’s entertainment employment over the last six years, said Patrick Prescott, Burbank’s community development director.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For a parent to refuse them outright may represent a fundamental, irreparable breakdown of the doctor-patient relationship.
    — Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of breakdown
Noun
  • Car insurance covers losses resulting from collisions, theft, fire and other covered incidents.
    — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In many organizations, this generational collision is framed as a liability.
    — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of collision
Verb
  • The video of the confrontation has drawn more than 64,000 likes, with many commenters praising Opperman as a small-town hero.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Later, after clearing the Silo 1 control room, Victor both chastises Camille for her failures and grudgingly praises her for lying so convincingly that his biometric lie detectors couldn’t detect it.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • When fashion was in the grips of its growth-at-all-costs era, investors were backing buzz and brands were blowing up — but bottom lines weren’t.
    — Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The idea is to blow up any impasse to avoid a hung jury and mistrial.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of blow up
Verb
  • Holding their accounts on freeze like a fortress are smarmy bank managers who laugh in the face of Beirut citizens who attempt a demand on their own funds.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Camp’s turn here as a kooky neighbor who stumbles into an unexpected romance is exactly the kind of role that gets a room talking (and laughing).
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • Neither Woods nor the driver of the truck reported injuries from the crash.
    — Bob Harkins, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Steele previously approved an agreement in July which allowed prosecutors to review medical records related to Woods’ crash and arrest.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of crash
Verb
  • Mamdani applauded police for stopping the attack but said an internal investigation would be conducted.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Whatever our party affiliation or political views, Americans should appreciate Roosevelt’s ingenuity, determination and confidence and applaud Eisenhower’s competence, planning and stewardship.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of applaud
Verb
  • The platform has entered into a deal with BET to develop and distribute microdramas across linear and digital platforms and a pact with National CineMedia to advertise its series in movie theaters.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The experience sharpened her understanding of the gap between the freedoms advertised to women and those actually available to them.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of advertise

Browse Nearby Words

cracks wise
crack-up
crack up
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Cite this Entry

“Crack-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crack-up. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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