crack
verb (used without object)
to break without complete separation of parts; become fissured.
has been cracking
-
present perfect progressiveof crack (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
China has been cracking down on a practice known as "Singapore-washing," which is when companies leave the country to take advantage of looser regulations, global customers or funding opportunities.
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
California has been cracking down on hospice fraud on its own.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 24, 2026
Beijing has been cracking down on excess capacity in some sectors to rein in “disorderly” competition and price wars.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2025
Brussels has been cracking down on tech companies since the DSA took effect last year, opening investigations into social media sites TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter, and ecommerce platform AliExpress.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 30, 2024
Summer school double-sucks because Dylan has been cracking jokes ever since that day I came out of the guidance counselor’s office with the bad news.
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
