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
Buffett’s advice may seem easier said than done—and the career woes that come with brutal job markets and economic downturns aren’t lost on the businessman.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2026
Yet the skyrocketing cost of housing and the dearth of legal protections ensuring homeownership during economic downturns have dimmed this dream.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Reliance on food stamps typically surges during economic downturns, such as the sharp slump that followed the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
—CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Policy threatens health-care job growth Health spending tends to be insulated from economic downturns, a dynamic that could help prop up the labor market and economy if the job market were to cool further, economists said.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
This broad growth is driven by consumers’ propensity to indulge in feel-good luxuries amid today’s economic uncertainty and downturns.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
These programs must be funded on a regular basis even in fiscal downturns to avoid annual cycles of uncertainty that disrupt field operations.
—Arif Husain, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2025
While some of these chains have faced ongoing issues, others are experiencing abrupt downturns after enjoying recent periods of strength — with no turnaround in sight.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
That era saw $7B of outside investment flow into Colorado through special districts that performed well through one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Nov. 2025
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2026
Yet the skyrocketing cost of housing and the dearth of legal protections ensuring homeownership during economic downturns have dimmed this dream.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Reliance on food stamps typically surges during economic downturns, such as the sharp slump that followed the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
—CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Policy threatens health-care job growth Health spending tends to be insulated from economic downturns, a dynamic that could help prop up the labor market and economy if the job market were to cool further, economists said.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
This broad growth is driven by consumers’ propensity to indulge in feel-good luxuries amid today’s economic uncertainty and downturns.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
These programs must be funded on a regular basis even in fiscal downturns to avoid annual cycles of uncertainty that disrupt field operations.
—Arif Husain, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2025
While some of these chains have faced ongoing issues, others are experiencing abrupt downturns after enjoying recent periods of strength — with no turnaround in sight.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
That era saw $7B of outside investment flow into Colorado through special districts that performed well through one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downturns
Noun
-
Why are all the metals flying higher, while oil slumps to multi-year lows?—
Kelly Evans,
CNBC,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Behind him, his band, Kublai Khan TX, rears and slumps into its next song.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Prices for a list of name-brand items at Walmart, Woodman's, Meijer, and Target all saw slight decreases from November.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Some reports indicate decreases in blood pressure, while others suggest that ginseng can help normalize low blood pressure.—
Jessica Swirble,
Verywell Health,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Even short-term or partial reductions in alcohol intake can benefit your heart, liver, and metabolic health.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
8 Jan. 2026
-
However, the pace of reductions is expected to slow considerably this year, with markets pricing in just two cuts and the most recent projections from Fed officials pointing to just one.—
Jeff Cox,Eamon Javers,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The largest dips were in Wyoming, down 99%, followed by Rhode Island, down 90%, and Nevada, down 76%.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
6 Nov. 2025
-
When houses go dark and demand dips, power prices often nosedive.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Despite the losses, Damon traveled to Texas and won the national title, dedicating the victory to his family and supporters.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The governor on Wednesday was in Los Angeles meeting with local officials and residents on the anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, among the deadliest and most destructive in state history with insured losses estimated to reach $40 billion.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Schools can request waivers if the rule disrupts pick-ups or drop-offs.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In Ocho Rios, the vast fringing reef shelf has drop-offs on the northern side perfect for spotting diverse soft and hard corals like staghorn, sea fan and brain coral.—
Adrienne Jordan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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 10 Jan. 2026.
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