Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

close down

VERB
ban
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bar exclude halt outlaw prevent prohibit proscribe restrict suppress
STRONG
banish blackball curse disallow enjoin illegalize inhibit interdict
WEAK
close up declare illegal ice out pass by pass up shut out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
admit allow include let go permit push release welcome
VERB
fail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break close drop end finish
STRONG
crash defalcate default dishonor fold overdraw repudiate terminate
WEAK
be cleaned out be in arrears be ruined be taken to the cleaners become insolvent close one's doors drop a bundle go bankrupt go belly up go broke go bust go into Chapter 11 go out of business go to the wall go under go up lose big lose one's shirt
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin commence continue start
WEAK
accomplish achieve capture complete deliver earn gain merit obtain procure prosper reach succeed win
VERB
halt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjourn arrest bar block break off cease curb deter end hamper impede interrupt stall stem stop suspend terminate
STRONG
balk check desist frustrate intermit obstruct pause punctuate rest stay wait
WEAK
blow the whistle on bring to an end bring to standstill call it a day come to an end cool it cut short draw up drop anchor hold at bay hold back pull up put a cork in stand still
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance aid allow assist begin commence continue encourage further go help initiate keep on let go open permit promote start stimulate support urge
STRONG
carry out do restart
WEAK
carry on forge forward push speak smoothly
VERB
shut
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bar lock push seal
STRONG
cage confine draw enclose exclude fasten fold imprison secure slam
WEAK
batten down close up drop the curtain fold up put to shut down wall off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
loosen open unfasten
STRONG
free let go let out loose release
VERB
shut down
Synonyms
WEAK
abandon cease stop
VERB
wind up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
close complete conclude do end up finish up settle wrap up
WEAK
be through with bring to a close clean up come to the end determine end finalize halt liquidate terminate tie up loose ends
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin introduce neglect start unsettle
WEAK
commence open

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.

That’s when authorities had the power to close down businesses, schools, and most traffic — but pretty much didn’t.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Bloomberg reported earlier Thursday that Pernod was exploring a potential acquisition of Brown-Forman, prompting Brown-Forman’s shares to close up around 10% Thursday and Pernod’s to close down 6%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

North Wales Police worked alongside Ofcom to close down the forum used by Cross to search for victims.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

If they close down, it damages the increasingly fragile sense of community.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

I wondered if America really got into the war, if they would close down the major leagues.

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway