braking 1 of 2

Definition of brakingnext
as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something there's always a braking in sales after lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

braking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of brake

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of braking
Noun
As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and electrified, EMB systems are emerging as a cornerstone of next-generation braking, widely viewed by engineers as one of the most advanced and complete solutions for how cars should stop. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026 Some vehicles—particularly Hondas, and most notably the hot-selling CR-V—stash the distance sensors responsible for features like automatic emergency braking and radar cruise control behind the badge up front. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026 His car offered dynamic braking with regenerative capabilities, using the motor to slow the car and recharge its battery, a feature that would not be seen in cars for another century. Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026 But there may be new tactics that could help the drivers, such as running at maximum revs through a corner or even dropping to first gear, the latter a rarity on an F1 track, in a bid to harvest more energy by maximizing engine braking when slowing the car. Luke Smith, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026 This is Nissan’s premiere safety tech system, taking over braking and steering like an extra-smart cruise control, or if the driver is impaired or incapacitated. Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026 Drive at or below the speed limit, as the icy layer can be difficult to see, and avoid sudden lane changes or braking. Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026 On top of disc brakes at the axles, many employ regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electricity that feeds back into the power grid or can be used by other trains. Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
When the car finally got moving, protesters began throwing obstacles in its path — Lime scooters, bicycles, seemingly anything that might trigger the car’s automatic anti-collision braking system. Evan Minsker, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026 Unlike modern probes that descend on landing legs, Luna 9 jettisoned its orientation modules during descent and fired a braking engine. Ilya Ferapontov, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026 Modern high-speed trains use multiple braking systems. Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 The advice, which calls for gently tapping on the brakes to slow down, only applies to older and certain newer vehicles not equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2026 Avoid braking abruptly when driving over a pothole as doing so will compress the vehicle’s suspension and add extra force to the tire. Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Avoid making sharp turns or braking suddenly. Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026 Visibility in daytime traffic or after-dark adventures comes courtesy of a 40-lux LED headlight paired with a braking tail-light, plus the e-trike benefits from turn signaling front and back. New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026 In cars, they’re used to connect the battery to motors, for lights and sensors, for braking systems, airbag controllers, entertainment systems and electric windows. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for braking
Noun
  • Although the regionalization had led to a deceleration in the growth of shipping costs throughout 2024 as the Everything Store aggressively embarked on its cost-cutting crusade, these expenses kicked back up into high gear throughout the 2025 fiscal year.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Owners reported sudden deceleration, downshifting, and temporary rear wheel lockups in 2015-2017 models.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But the rise in retirement age may be slowing.
    Paige Winfield Cunningham The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • From learning to drive stick shift and collecting vinyl records to playing board games and writing handwritten notes, the shift suggests that even in a digital-first generation, there’s a growing appetite for slowing down—and staying human.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.
    Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 June 2021
  • The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).
    chicagotribune.com, chicagotribune.com, 28 July 2017
Noun
  • The decline in future spending commitments is projected to lead to 670,000 and 1,600,000 lives lost annually.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The cuts mark a steep decline for the historic newsroom, which has lost subscribers following controversial editorial decisions by owner Jeff Bezos.
    David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But gold prices have been extraordinary volatile, smashing through record highs before posting their biggest single-day drop on record last month.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Sharp drops hit Wall Street on Thursday as technology stocks fell and bitcoin plunged again to roughly half its record price set last fall.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • More industries are retooling around AI after experiencing slowdowns in their core businesses.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Advertisement Digestive slowdown and constipation Water is essential for moving things through your gastrointestinal system.
    Katharine Gammon, Time, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Braking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/braking. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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