as in winter
a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness
a knee operation that could result in months of downtime for the ski racer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 downtime
The pair enjoyed their downtime lounging on the beach, walking hand-in-hand, and even sharing a sweet kiss.
—
Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
The holidays offered little downtime for Dallas County Democratic Party chief Kardal Coleman.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr.
political, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
But chief executives are taking back their holiday downtime with small wins in their work-life arrangements.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Jan. 2026
Starting an overnight presoak for stained items each evening makes the most of downtime and sets you up for an easier morning.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtime
Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
The holidays offered little downtime for Dallas County Democratic Party chief Kardal Coleman.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr.
political, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
But chief executives are taking back their holiday downtime with small wins in their work-life arrangements.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Jan. 2026
Starting an overnight presoak for stained items each evening makes the most of downtime and sets you up for an easier morning.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downtime
Noun
-
Just about every corner of North America has experienced a super-sized helping of continentality in this winter’s weather.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Caslon Cashmere Crewneck Sweater At $77, this sweater proves that adding cashmere to your winter wardrobe isn’t the intimidating investment it’s made out to be.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Thornton ended the unsightly stretch with a late bucket for a 31-28 lead at the break.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Many Nordic investors and founders annually travel to Copenhagen for the first startup event after the summer break.—
Melinda Elmborg,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downtime. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
