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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 downshifts Smoother downshifts while braking matter more, but trying to step up a gear at full throttle anywhere near redline seemed to challenge the clutch-free system. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026 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
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
  • Another major challenge is intensifying domestic competition and labor shortages as Japan’s birth rate declines and its population ages, Nagai said.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
  • This year’s drought across western Japan, with some meteorologists comparing it to the country’s worst drought in more than 30 years, is already being tied to yield declines in official data.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The two-day affair brought together more than 300 brands, artists and creators, alongside product launches, installations, food and live performances, while also serving as a platform for limited-edition drops and exclusive fashion releases.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Opening in 2023, French Custard has now made it through a few KC winters, and Wood said people still show up for their special pint drops.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The move comes amid a global shortage largely attributed to slowdowns of the passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • While iPhone sales increased an impressive 21% in the most recent quarter, the business has experienced significant slowdowns in recent years, with sales even declining in some quarters.
    — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downshifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshifts. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster