as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
there are promising indications of a turnaround in the prolonged economic downshift
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downshift
That’s a big downshift from the first four months of the year, when job creation averaged 123,000, not to mention the 168,000 per month in 2024 and 216,000 in 2023.
—
Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
Speaking of which, Honda also gives you an assist/slipper clutch that ought to help you with your downshifts.
—New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
But Sport mode was always selected soon after, which, besides adding rev-match downshifts and turning off auto stop/start, adds sharp exhaust tones to its deep-bass-induction soundtrack.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
The downshift in wholesale prices last month could ease some of those worries, though analysts will gain further clarity from consumer price data scheduled to be released on Thursday.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downshift
Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
Speaking of which, Honda also gives you an assist/slipper clutch that ought to help you with your downshifts.
—New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
But Sport mode was always selected soon after, which, besides adding rev-match downshifts and turning off auto stop/start, adds sharp exhaust tones to its deep-bass-induction soundtrack.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
The downshift in wholesale prices last month could ease some of those worries, though analysts will gain further clarity from consumer price data scheduled to be released on Thursday.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downshift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downshift
Noun
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In its most recent quarterly results, Microsoft’s closely watched Azure cloud-computing division posted a slight deceleration in growth from the prior quarter.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Do note, though, that the airbag will activate only in frontal accidents and under certain deceleration conditions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This year’s inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lean far too male and over 60, with the class consisting of only six women spread among all of the categories — a disappointing decline after some notable changes following the departure of chairman Jann Wenner.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2026
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Relegation would trigger massive declines in matchday, broadcast and commercial revenue.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To make one, fill a small saucepan with water, then add lemon, orange, or grapefruit slices, fresh rosemary or mint sprigs, and a few drops of a pure essential oil of your choice, Martinez explains.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
16 Apr. 2026
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This season, the goal since first puck drop has been the ultimate prize for the Colorado Avalanche -- the Stanley Cup.—
Jack Lowenstein,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
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Advanced safety technology — lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, collision warnings and more — all add to the cost of a vehicle.—
Alexa St. John,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The San Francisco Giants were out of town and businesses around Oracle Park and Mission Bay reported a slowdown.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
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Its effective shuttering for the duration of the conflict has stoked a global energy crisis and stoked fears of a worldwide slowdown and rampant inflation.—
Kate Sullivan,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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The slump could have a variety of causes, including smartphones in classrooms and COVID.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Cincinnati's Ke’Bryan Hayes ended a career-worst 0-for-33 slump with a single in the sixth, ending the longest active streak in the majors.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshift. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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