melt down 1 of 2

Definition of melt downnext
as in to crack
to yield to mental or emotional stress rather than melt down, the team strengthened their resolve and ended up winning the game

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

meltdown

2 of 2

noun

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 melt down
Verb
Except, in this case, cyber defenses have already melted down. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026 Practice non-reaction This can feel counterintuitive, but sometimes the best strategy is to take a pause and not immediately react or intervene when your child is melting down. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
Eagles fans wanted running back Ricky Williams, and much like with Kiper's draft day meltdown, this one is even funnier in hindsight. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Lawmakers are taking the position that tax revenues are up and that the state economy is doing much better than when the Tier 6 reform plan was instituted in 2012, as the nation was still recovering from the 2008 financial meltdown. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for melt down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melt down
Verb
  • Tuesday, April 28 Health inspectors cited the Rancho Cordova Thai restaurant after finding the cook cracking an egg on the prep line and continuing to prep food without proper handwashing and glove replacement.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado May 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
  • Chara thought nothing of cracking Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci or Brad Marchand in the back with a cross-check during net-front sessions.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Injuries to offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt sent the line into a tailspin.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Geoffroy van Raemdonck, who has been tasked with navigating Saks Global out of its post-bankruptcy tailspin as its new CEO, serves as an adviser to the company.
    Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The episode ends with Teddy getting a voicemail from Owen and overhearing a bridge collapse and car crash that may be fatal.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • An epic collapse in Game 3 put them on the back foot.
    David Troy, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • The episode was almost entirely about Margo and her continued freak-out.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • For now, though, Chang is in her bubble up north and witnessing most of the freak-outs remotely and not in person.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While stationed in Japan, Fryday helped coordinate disaster relief efforts after the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • In year three, there were still injuries, and the team was a disaster.
    David Troy, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • This happened years before, in such a serious way that my friend had to take a three-month medical leave of absence due to what was likely a nervous breakdown.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • When their news anchor (Peter Finch) has a nervous breakdown on the air, suddenly their ratings turn around, bringing on a moral morass only some of them are prepared to face.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The zipper slider on the bear's side pouch can detach, possibly causing a risk of serious injury or death from a choking hazard to children, per the notice.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities said the woman was assaulted in her bedroom and that the man also attempted to choke her.
    Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That breakdown was not available in the CRA filings, and the foundation said the final net figures can fall between 8% and 10% of total raffle revenue.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • About Route 66 Extended Warranty Route 66 offers three extended warranty plans to financially help car owners when a mechanical breakdown occurs.
    Anna Popp, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Melt down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melt%20down. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster