downshift

noun

Definition of downshiftnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 downshift There is no frantic downshift, no strained exhaust note, and little sensation of mechanical effort. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The sound of the hybrid V8 is mighty, and the sound of the upshifts and downshifts is downright violent. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 15 July 2026 The already dirge-like film downshifts further, towards a more pleasant state of repose, as Robin convalesces. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 June 2026 This increases alertness, boosts available energy and temporarily downshifts nonessential functions like digestion. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026 Here’s where the trip downshifts into Southern charm. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026 That’s the slowest pace of wage gains since 2021, and a downshift from the last two years, when pay bumps were closer to 4%. — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026 In 2025, employment in the state was virtually flat, representing a major downshift from previous years, when the state added jobs at an average of around 2%. — Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026 As the 11-year cycle downshifts from solar maximum to solar minimum, the lights will begin to diminish in frequency and intensity. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downshift
  1. deceleration
  2. decline
  3. drop
  4. braking
  5. slowdown
  6. retardation
  7. slump
Noun
  • The record proves that the silent cabin, instant torque and smooth deceleration of electric-vehicle (EV) driving does not have to be derived from a charging grid.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
  • During the test drive, Lawgalet experienced the deceleration caused from regenerative braking, panicked and decided to return to the dealership after being surprised by the sensation.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceleration
Noun
  • Bullish activity fell sharply, down about 50%, Meng pointed out, compared with a roughly 35% decline for bearish ETFs.
    — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Progressive cognitive decline that interferes with everyday functioning warrants further evaluation.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • Just across the street from the bus stop … lurks a deep drainage pool at the bottom of a sheer 12-foot drop from the street.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Colleges have add/drop periods and deadlines for students to enroll in courses for the semester.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Instead, smoother acceleration, less frequent hard launches, and avoiding unnecessary cycles of heavy acceleration and braking could help reduce stress on one of the vehicle’s most expensive components.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Because descending stairs is a demanding braking task, many people start to notice achy knees on their way down.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of braking
Noun
  • As for footwear sales in the region, the second quarter saw a slowdown of sales of high-heat product, alongside tougher comparatives and ongoing softness in end-of-cycle footwear product lines.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The production slowdown was deepened by a shortage of raw plastic materials, triggered by ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which cut off petrochemical exports to North Africa for bottle manufacturing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of slowdown
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
Definition of retardation
Noun
  • The trip to hitter-friendly Mile High City, and a matchup against the last-place team in the NL West, came at the perfect time for the Dodgers, ending a collective slump.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • While the defense overwhelmed the Dolphins’ offense, with interceptions by Deonte Banks in 1-on-1 drills and Paulson Adebo in 11-on-11, Jaxson Dart snapped out of his slump.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of slump

Browse Nearby Words

downscaling
downshift
downshifts
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Cite this Entry

“Downshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshift. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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