downshifts

plural of downshift
as in decelerations
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

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 downshifts Rolling on the throttle produces immediate forward motion - bingo - without requiring frantic downshifts or high engine speeds. Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downshifts
Noun
  • Match analysis from professional football also suggests around a quarter fewer explosive accelerations and decelerations at altitude than at sea level.
    Alan McCall, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt argues that overparenting and excessive screen time are driving declines in youth mental health.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This summer, the school board approved plans to close or consolidate nine more campuses – the most ever in one year – as enrollment declines and ensuing financial pressures stretch the district thin.
    Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Nike has never before given the Air Max 2001 Air Ecstasy a retro release before, but leaks from earlier this summer indicate the shoe will get a wider revival through in-line drops.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the drops have suspended pigments that melt into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, creating a more even skin tone with a natural, slightly luminous finish.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Lenders, and borrowers, care whether a mortgage can remain affordable through job changes, slowdowns, illnesses or other disruptions.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Refining Client Narratives Takes Priority Summer slowdowns should be seen as a strategic advantage.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Downshifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshifts. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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