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
  • Some public health specialists told ABC News there are several reasons for the declines, including fewer adolescents and young adults engaging in risky behaviors and public health messaging campaigns.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Los Angeles' restaurant industry is in turmoil, with over 100 establishments closing in 2025 and thousands of jobs lost due to escalating costs and revenue declines.
    Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Elsewhere in Greece, flames threatened homes on Kefalonia, forcing evacuations from inland communities as aircraft made water drops over the Ionian island.
    Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In some cases, water pressure drops, potentially allowing untreated groundwater to seep into pipes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • What makes Seattle’s situation distinct from other regional slowdowns is how tightly these three arcs lock together.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026
  • New software, unusual pop-ups or unexplained computer slowdowns may also warrant a closer look.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Downshifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshifts. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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