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.

Police have been cracking down on the use of prohibited symbols amid a recent rise in antisemitism and right-wing extremism.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

Portland police have been cracking down on organized retail crime.

From Washington Times • Aug. 23, 2023

The arrests have inflamed an already tense situation: For months, law enforcement officials have been cracking down on protests against the training center.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2023

The United Nations Human Rights Council says that Iran’s morality police have been cracking down on women they accuse of not wearing the hijab properly, the Associated Press reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2022

It is a poor thing," answered the magician, "not worthy of your attention; but if you will vouchsafe me a sip of the wine, I have been cracking these dry nuts so long.

From The Magician's Show Box and Other Stories by Child, Lydia Maria Francis