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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downshifts
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
Feel that lovely dog weight, dog density, as your dog settles and downshifts, grows heavy with unconsciousness, and makes the profound noises, the groans of contentment and secret multi-voweled suspirations, of a dog entering its sleep world.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
Oddly or fortunately, the quipping downshifts dramatically from that point — gotta leave Baby Sherlock’s nascent interactions with Baby Watson and Baby Irene Adler for future seasons.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
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
Feel that lovely dog weight, dog density, as your dog settles and downshifts, grows heavy with unconsciousness, and makes the profound noises, the groans of contentment and secret multi-voweled suspirations, of a dog entering its sleep world.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
Oddly or fortunately, the quipping downshifts dramatically from that point — gotta leave Baby Sherlock’s nascent interactions with Baby Watson and Baby Irene Adler for future seasons.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downshifts
Noun
-
Oil prices extended declines on Friday as more tankers exited the Strait of Hormuz, easing supply concerns.
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The declines dragged Wall Street’s tech-heavy Nasdaq down by nearly 4% over five days to Wednesday, with chip-makers the worst affected.
Noun
-
Helitack crews – like the one from Rifle County – often parachute into remote areas and help coordinate water drops to extinguish the flames.
-
That came on May 7 before a staggered series of price drops tempered by price-hike rebounds over the last seven weeks amid on-again and off-again peace talks in the Middle East.
Noun
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Kansas City businesses are reporting a mix of booming sales and unexpected slowdowns as FIFA World Cup fans flood the city.
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The first slowdowns and real noticeable uptick in traffic came on I-95 south.
Cite this Entry
“Downshifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshifts. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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