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quell

/kwɛl/verb

To stop or calm something, often by using force or authority.

Example sentences

  • “A cup of tea and a chat helped quell her nerves before the interview.”
  • “The coach's calm words quelled the panic in the locker room.”

A headline favorite whose objects are usually uprisings or fears: 'troops quell riot', 'statement quells rumors'.

Featured as word of the day on June 16, 2026.

Synonyms for quell

  • suppress
  • crush
  • put down
  • calm
  • allay

Antonyms

Find it in: Advanced English words.

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