crack
23 synonyms and 0 antonyms for crack, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To break, split, or form a line of damage without falling completely apart.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use crack
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English cracian, meaning "to make a sudden loud noise" — the "break" and "joke" senses both grew from this basic idea of a sharp snap.
Full origin of crack →Frequently asked questions
What does “crack” mean?
The word “crack” means to break, split, or form a line of damage without falling completely apart. In plain terms, to break or split, to solve something, to break down under pressure, or to make a joke — plus, as a noun, a split or a sharp sound.
How do you pronounce “crack”?
“Crack” is pronounced krak (/kɹæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “crack” in a sentence?
Here is “crack” used in a sentence: “The old vase cracked when it was dropped.”
What part of speech is “crack”?
Depending on how it is used, “crack” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “crack” come from?
The word “crack” comes from Old English. From Old English cracian, meaning "to make a sudden loud noise" — the "break" and "joke" senses both grew from this basic idea of a sharp snap.
Is “crack” a common word?
“Crack” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “crack” have?
“Crack” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break, split, or form a line of damage without falling completely apart.
What is the difference between crack and break?
When something cracks, it splits or forms a line of damage but generally stays in one piece — a cracked phone screen still holds together. When something breaks, it separates into two or more pieces or stops working. Cracking is often the first stage; continued stress turns a crack into a break.
What is the difference between crack and shatter?
Cracking forms one or more fracture lines while the object largely keeps its shape. Shattering is sudden and total — the object bursts into many small fragments at once. A window can crack from a stone and still stand; a harder blow makes it shatter across the whole pane.
Can glass crack without breaking?
Yes. Glass often cracks while remaining in place, held together by its frame, coatings, or the surrounding pane. Temperature changes, pressure, or a light impact can start a crack that spreads slowly. The glass is damaged and weakened, but it has not yet separated into pieces or fallen apart.
What are the figurative meanings of crack?
Beyond physical damage, 'crack' has many figurative uses. To crack a code or problem is to solve it; to crack a joke is to tell one; to crack under pressure is to lose composure. A voice can crack with emotion, and to 'crack down' means to enforce rules strictly.