Synonyms of recession

recession

noun

ri-ˈse-shən 

1

as in slump

a period of decreased economic activity

the country is just coming out of a recession, so expect to see fewer layoffs and more new jobs in the coming year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slump
• depression
• panic
• downturn
• stagnation
• slowdown
• crash
• bust
• downswing
• downtrend
• downdraft
• downbeat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• growth
• development
• boom
• progress
• recovery
• advancement
• rally

2

as in withdrawal

an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable

a retiring CEO making a gradual recession from the daily rigors of running a major corporation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawal
• retreat
• retirement
• pullback
• pullout
• recoil
• rout
• revulsion
• disengagement
• shrinking
• flinch
• disentanglement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• advancement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recession

Beyond the white patches, which disappear when pouch use stops, a lasting concern is gum recession, which is irreversible. — Callie Teitelbaum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

And even with a recession to date, English teams’ spending is hardly in terminal decline and still trounces that of all other nations. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

The blistering pace is unusual in that it's usually reserved for recoveries from recessions or other disastrous circumstances. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026

In a romance recession, some people give up and some double down. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026