The phrase 'pressing down' suggests a physical force or weight being applied to something. There are several alternative words that can be used to express this action, including compressing, squeezing, crushing, flattening, tamping, and compacting. Each of these words conveys a similar meaning of pushing or applying pressure to something, but with subtle differences in their connotations. For example, compressing is often used to describe pushing something together to reduce its volume, while crushing suggests a more forceful and destructive action. Flattening often implies creating a smooth surface while compacting is associated more with making something dense by reducing its volume. Choosing the right synonym can add depth and specificity to your writing, helping to paint a more vivid picture for your readers.