stagnate

verb

stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating

intransitive verb

: to become or remain stagnant

Examples of stagnate in a Sentence

a puddle of stagnating water
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The improvement also stands out because Ookla’s data previously reported that Starlink speeds were stagnating in late 2022 amid congestion issues from a flood of new users. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 June 2025 But performance stagnated after that, according to annual reports of the New York Police Department’s pension fund, which invested in Key Square. Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Especially if and when the weather pattern starts stagnating, then we will be trapped with a lot of smoke, especially in the Midwest and Chicago, and the Great Lakes region. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 In April, the Department of Finance gave a bleak projection for next year’s budget due to stagnating sales tax revenue, which makes up a significant portion of the budget. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stagnate

Word History

Etymology

Latin stagnatus, past participle of stagnare, from stagnum body of standing water

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnate was in 1661

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stagnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

stagnate

verb
stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating
: to be or become stagnant
stagnation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stagnate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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