as in deflations
a situation in which something (such as business or economic activity) decreases or becomes worse
—usually singular
an economic downturn There's been a downturn in the housing market.
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Recent Examples of downturns
Both sides need to also clearly work out what happens with maintenance of the property and upturns and downturns in the market.
—
Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026
Simas argued that the state is moving beyond its historical reliance on tourism and hospitality, industries that usually dip during downturns.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
After all, many of us in committed relationships have experienced ups and downs, and sometimes those downturns can feel impossible.
—Cheryl Maguire, Parents, 14 Feb. 2026
When it was enacted, amendments were included to allow for adjustments during economic downturns and fiscal emergencies.
—J.b. Jennings, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026
This rigidity creates panic during market downturns.
—Sheryl Rowling, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Banks that can attract and retain deposits, especially operating and transaction balances, can price credit, invest in product, and survive downturns in ways that fee-only or wholesale-funded models can’t.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Gold often triggers strong emotions due to fear during downturns and euphoria during rallies.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The decision put a halt to three consecutive quarter percentage point reductions, billed as maintenance moves to guard against potential downturns in the labor market.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026
Simas argued that the state is moving beyond its historical reliance on tourism and hospitality, industries that usually dip during downturns.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
After all, many of us in committed relationships have experienced ups and downs, and sometimes those downturns can feel impossible.
—Cheryl Maguire, Parents, 14 Feb. 2026
When it was enacted, amendments were included to allow for adjustments during economic downturns and fiscal emergencies.
—J.b. Jennings, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026
This rigidity creates panic during market downturns.
—Sheryl Rowling, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Banks that can attract and retain deposits, especially operating and transaction balances, can price credit, invest in product, and survive downturns in ways that fee-only or wholesale-funded models can’t.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Gold often triggers strong emotions due to fear during downturns and euphoria during rallies.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The decision put a halt to three consecutive quarter percentage point reductions, billed as maintenance moves to guard against potential downturns in the labor market.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downturns
Noun
-
How was a young vet like Josh Jung to pull himself out of an offensive quagmire if everybody else was too focused on their own slumps and routines?—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
There were hot streaks in the postseason, but also difficult slumps in the regular season.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For those who continue to feed, baseline prolactin decreases (though still rises during feeding), and oxytocin becomes more consistent.—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Around two-thirds of European countries experienced declines in admissions in 2025, with the extent of the decreases varying significantly.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The analyst is positive about ConocoPhillips achieving its 2029 free cash flow target, supported by its four major growth projects (NFE, North Field South, Port Arthur, and Willow) and $1 billion in cost reductions and margin enhancements.—
,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Despite funding reductions, international producers remain keen to shoot in the country, Keidies says.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This versatile dairy staple can bulk up a breakfast smoothie, anchor a marinade for lamb and other meats, form the base of classic dips like tzatziki, and transform ice pops into high-protein, healthy desserts—adding tang, tenderness, and creaminess along the way.—
Joe Sevier,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Growth time can shift due to sunlight, temperature dips, or humidity imbalance, so conditions play a big role.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those market jitters saw over $1 trillion wiped from the market caps of big tech firms, though some stocks have since recovered some of their losses.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Its benefits include greater energy capture without atmospheric losses, near-continuous sunlight, as well as optimal sun-facing orientation.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The drop-offs are often emotional for the families and Leon's crew.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
While the Bridgmans were among the first iguana drop-offs, hundreds more followed.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Grave of the Fireflies is about the horrors and degradations of war.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
For Parisian Jews in 1941 and 1942, these thefts were compounded by a cascade of other degradations, including the loss of distinguished positions at the Sorbonne, in banking, science, and medicine, with more devastation to come.—
Christopher C. Gorham
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downturns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downturns. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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