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
What’s more, cracking up triggers chemical changes that prompt the inner lining of blood vessels to dilate and improve blood flow. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • The increasing frequency and severity of combinations like drought and flooding are what climate breakdown is all about.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There are no obvious Oscar reels here, monologues or breakdowns.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of breakdown
Noun
  • The collision comes months after Independence police tightened restrictions on high-speed pursuits after years of scrutiny over the department's driving practices.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • When a conjunction is probable, SSA/STC service providers alert the operators involved, who then decide whether to undertake a collision-avoidance maneuver.
    — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of collision
Verb
  • The self-styling of Rider’s shows has been widely praised, as has the scenography of the re-see, which offers an original approach to presenting products through accumulation, layering and a play on color variations or monochromatic schemes.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Paul praised the concept of residential cruising but said the shipowner lacked the expertise to make the business financially sustainable.
    — Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • The infamous plot to blow up the English government started with the anti-Roman Catholic Penal Laws of the 16th century—a series of laws that basically criminalized Roman Catholicism.
    — Lucia Barnum, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026
  • At Netanyahu's election night party on Tuesday in Jerusalem, giant screens played Hollywood-style videos of soldiers marching, airstrikes blowing up buildings and other destruction.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of blow up
Verb
  • Zion, 11, is smart and creative and enjoys having fun and making others laugh.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Foreman can often be seen making audiences laugh at Comedy In Harlem, which held a comedy show for Breast Cancer Awareness in October where 10% of the proceeds go toward breast cancer research and awareness.
    — Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • That count includes troops who died in medical events and other situations that do not have a direct connection to the conflict, with 18 service members having been killed from Iranian strikes, combat aircraft crashes or disposal of Iranian drones.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The crash occurred after an SUV veered off the road, ran into a sign and rolled over.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of crash
Verb
  • The fifth-round pick of the 2024 draft — applauded for his versatility this offseason and who made several plays in the preseason, including an interception — played exactly one defensive snap against the Bucs.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Roan performed alongside pop stars such as Lola Young and Tinashe to applaud Midwest Princess Project’s success.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of applaud
Verb
  • Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy and Ozempic, advertises list prices ranging from $149 per month to $399 per month, depending on the dose.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • While the data are limited, campaign leaders and other experts say social media stars are playing a bigger role in how brands and political movements advertise.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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