1
as in to subdue
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
the National Guard was called in to help quell the late-night disturbances downtown
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Recent Examples of quell
At the same time, Leo has not announced a counter-revolution to quell the spirits his predecessor let loose in the Church.
—
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 29 June 2025
The two-day gathering began Wednesday in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao, a day after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel quelled what had been days of aerial assaults between the two, punctuated by a US strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
If there is absolutely no possibility of a role abroad, negotiate for extended time off that may be enough to quell your wanderlust, or ask for a work-from-home arrangement (then move your home abroad!).
—Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for quell
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 29 June 2025
The two-day gathering began Wednesday in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao, a day after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel quelled what had been days of aerial assaults between the two, punctuated by a US strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
If there is absolutely no possibility of a role abroad, negotiate for extended time off that may be enough to quell your wanderlust, or ask for a work-from-home arrangement (then move your home abroad!).
—Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for quell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quell
Verb
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But Vásquez Lasso’s partner that day, Officer Miguel Enciso, instead used his Taser to subdue Steven Montano, 21, who is charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the March 1, 2023, slaying.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
16 July 2025
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The overall inflation rate in the Bay Area has remained subdued in recent months.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
15 July 2025
Verb
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For a start, the cheers from the nearby Andy Murray Arena are loud and booming, but so too is the exclusive balcony area hanging just to the side of the court, where people are sipping their wine or their Pimm’s and chatting loudly (the judge on court 1 has to shush them at one point).—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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The crowd had just spent an entire overtime shushing each other.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Past research, Jansen notes, has found that cannabis can suppress the immune system through its active compounds: CBD, THC and other minor cannabinoids.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
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Sandra Lynn Hemme filed the suit Thursday, which accuses investigators of fabricating evidence, coercing a false confession and suppressing evidence that could have proven her innocence.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Still, many progressives, including some political leaders, saw a nefarious motive and a brazen attempt to silence an outspoken liberal voice.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 July 2025
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And as long as the law remains on the books, the threat of enforcement will continue to hang over pastors and churches like a sword, silencing some through fear and confusion.—
Lauren Cooley,
Sun Sentinel,
21 July 2025
Verb
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In the early years of the republic, a tradition of repressing dissent arose alongside dissent itself.—
Time,
Time,
2 July 2025
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Now, a new study led by researchers from the University of Barcelona (UB) in Spain has identified a protein molecule that represses the activation of BAT, and could be valuable for treating the malnutrition, weight loss and muscle wastage associated with some cancers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Gary, though, did have one last piece of business to settle — with Ballard herself, stalking her in the dark of the cold case unit’s basement HQ.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
14 July 2025
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The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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But China’s fiercely competitive automotive landscape quashed this ambition.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
15 July 2025
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Residents who were with Chapman at the courthouse said the alderwoman’s arrests for allegedly disrupting City Council meetings are part of a bigger effort by the mayor to quash public participation in government.—
Mike Nolan,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Walking through its marble corridors and hushed reading rooms, the power of simplicity and permanence struck me.—
Luciana Cemerka,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Inside the airy courtroom, hushed spectators, including Combs’ mother and six adult children, sat on wooden benches.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quell. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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