1
as in recessions
a period of decreased economic activity
during the 1930s the U.S. suffered a great depression
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in holes
a sunken area forming a separate space
the water generally collects in the patchwork of depressions in the city plaza
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dents
the amount by which something is lessened
a depression in the number of new homes being built
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of depressions
This happened because the countries' leaders often stuck to the commitment to back the money with gold, which led to debt defaults and deflationary depressions.
—
Ray Dalio, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
The impact craters are the depressions or markings left behind after something like an asteroid or comet crashes into the moon's surface, according to NASA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Sinkholes, depressions in the ground caused by the sudden collapse of the surface layer, can form for various reasons, including natural causes like intense rainfall, flooding or drought, as well as human activities such as construction and aging infrastructure.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Most tropical activity in the Atlantic – depressions, storms and hurricanes – occurs from mid-August to mid-October.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
The bumps and depressions were less than a tenth the size of the groove itself; even the most advanced microscopes of the day couldn’t detect features that small.
—Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2025
From this research, Motiva created its unique surface, which features depressions (approximately 16,000 nanometers in depth) that are the smallest available, according to a study published in the journal Case Reports in Plastic Surgery & Hand Surgery.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Parcels on the block had been subdivided, depressions in the curb laid for future driveways.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
The Saffir‒Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) classifies hurricanes—western hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms—into five categories, distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds.
—Miriam Toews
september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Ray Dalio, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
The impact craters are the depressions or markings left behind after something like an asteroid or comet crashes into the moon's surface, according to NASA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Sinkholes, depressions in the ground caused by the sudden collapse of the surface layer, can form for various reasons, including natural causes like intense rainfall, flooding or drought, as well as human activities such as construction and aging infrastructure.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Most tropical activity in the Atlantic – depressions, storms and hurricanes – occurs from mid-August to mid-October.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
The bumps and depressions were less than a tenth the size of the groove itself; even the most advanced microscopes of the day couldn’t detect features that small.
—Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2025
From this research, Motiva created its unique surface, which features depressions (approximately 16,000 nanometers in depth) that are the smallest available, according to a study published in the journal Case Reports in Plastic Surgery & Hand Surgery.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Parcels on the block had been subdivided, depressions in the curb laid for future driveways.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
The Saffir‒Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) classifies hurricanes—western hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms—into five categories, distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds.
—Miriam Toews
september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressions
Noun
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Tennessee has amassed more than $2 billion in a rainy day fund, designed to be used to accommodate unexpected shortfalls in state revenues, and amid emergencies such as natural disasters and recessions.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Previous recessions including the 2008 Great Recession were triggered by similar risky lending practices.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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To prevent water buildup that could block energy generation, the researchers added micro drainage holes that let water flow downward but not upward, and keep the surface clear for droplet impacts.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
-
On Tuesday, the league announced that from the upcoming season, all LIV events will be played over four days and 72 holes.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Even worse, scratches, dents, and imperfections can stand out dramatically.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The roomy, high-cut ABS shell fits a variety of head shapes and shrugs off dents, while adjustable sizing ensures comfort.—
Outside,
Outside,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The ebbs and flows of results will occur for any team, but the best coaches are those who keep any short-term slumps to a minimum.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Research has also found that high-protein breakfasts help to stabilize blood sugar, reduce mid-morning energy slumps, support metabolism and maintain muscle mass, especially in older adults.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The courtyard is outfitted with several fire pits and is a nice place to hang out, and the property regularly hosts outdoor yoga classes as well.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In warm weather, rent a paddleboard from the hotel and glide across Lake Estes, or warm up around the fire pits or in the dry sauna.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As people age, the number and function of mitochondria decreases.—
Dominique Mosbergen,
Time,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Prices across Louisville have generally followed the national trend, showing significant decreases from their peak in the first quarter of 2025.—
Olivia Evans,
Louisville Courier Journal,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Its terminal effects are catastrophic, producing both massive permanent wound channels and violent temporary cavities.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Oct. 2025
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Sticky candies, on the other hand—like Twizzlers and Starbursts—stay on the teeth longer, heightening the risk of cavities.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Even with the staff reductions, Ellison has been spending big on content deals since closing the deal forming Paramount Skydance.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
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Temperature reductions from extensive tree coverage offer sustainability benefits beyond mere aesthetics — a critical consideration in a climate where outdoor spaces become nearly uninhabitable for months each year.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Depressions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressions. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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