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
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Recent Examples of downtime
Highlights include the Nike Killshot 2 TXT Sneakers, currently 60 percent off, plus cozy, everyday styles like the Dearfoams Fireside Sydney Slippers for under $50—ideal for lounging at home or hotel downtime.
—
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to Anthony, the entire experience is staged, every colleague around him is performing a role, and each moment – whether in conference rooms or during downtime – has been meticulously orchestrated.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to Anthony, the entire experience is staged, every colleague around him is performing a role, and each moment — whether in conference rooms or during downtime — has been meticulously orchestrated.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
With extra downtime during the pandemic, the Michigan resident researched and consulted a friend on how best to grow his spare cash saved from a part-time job in the market.
—Yun Li,kate Rooney,alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtime
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to Anthony, the entire experience is staged, every colleague around him is performing a role, and each moment – whether in conference rooms or during downtime – has been meticulously orchestrated.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to Anthony, the entire experience is staged, every colleague around him is performing a role, and each moment — whether in conference rooms or during downtime — has been meticulously orchestrated.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
With extra downtime during the pandemic, the Michigan resident researched and consulted a friend on how best to grow his spare cash saved from a part-time job in the market.
—Yun Li,kate Rooney,alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downtime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downtime
Noun
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Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The dense stone serves as a sort of natural insulation that keeps interior temperatures cool in summer and warm in winter.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With a loss Wednesday night to the New Orleans Pelicans and the middling middle ground will prove all too real, with the Heat entering that game at 28-27, with an eight-day All-Star break to follow.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Feb. 2026
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Milwaukee had made 40% of their 3-point attempts before the break and held the Magic to just 19% from distance.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downtime. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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