plunge 1 of 2

verb

ˈplənj How to pronounce plunge (audio)
Definition of plungenext
1
as in to dive
to cast oneself head first into deep water she took a deep breath and plunged from the side of the pool

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2
as in to dip
to go to a lower level especially abruptly prices for those televisions have really plunged since they were first introduced

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3
as in to fall
to lead or extend downward a stairway plunging into darkness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

plunge

2 of 2

noun

1
as in dive
an act or instance of diving the Olympic diver took a well-executed plunge off the diving board

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drop
the act or process of going to a lower level or altitude an overnight plunge in temperature sent the thermometer to below the freezing mark

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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 plunge
Verb
Wholesale inflation fell from May to June on plunging energy prices, but intensifying hostilities with Iran are clouding the outlook. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 Elon Musk’s rocket, satellite and artificial intelligence company has plunged one-third from its post-listing peak, erasing nearly $850 billion in value. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Noun
This insulating wrap, in addition to the five-millimeter foam built into the tub itself, keeps water at the ideal cold-plunge temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or under—even in the heat of the summer. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026 Gather around the smokeless fire pit for s’mores and storytelling, relax in a private hot tub or sauna, or take a dip in the cold-plunge pool. — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for plunge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plunge
  1. dive
  2. dip
  3. fall
  4. drop
  5. tumble
  6. descend
  7. descent
  8. decline
Verb
  • The video clearly showed the forward had dived after a tackle from Leandro Paredes.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Water-dumping planes repeatedly dived into the Seine River to scoop up water and douse the fires — the first time such aircraft had ever been used to fight fires in the Paris region, the regional fire chief said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of dive
Verb
  • The novel plot is intricately structured and gratifying while the animation — which dips into various styles including impressionism — invites you into an awe-inspiring alternative world.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
  • Public problems and progress SpaceX shares have dipped below their $135 IPO price for the first time, wiping out more than $1 trillion from the value of Elon Musk's group.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of dip
Verb
  • Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • Micron Technology sank 8%, Intel lost more than 4%, while Lam Research and Advanced Micro Devices each fell about 3%.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of fall
Noun
  • Every drop hits like a quake, and each muscular beat compels you to shake your ass.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
  • The ride reaches speeds of 95 mph, climbs 325 feet into the air and has an 81-degree drop.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
Definition of drop
Verb
  • Days after analysts at more than a dozen banks rolled out price targets that were almost uniformly bullish, the shares tumbled below their $135 IPO price for the first time, then kept falling toward $125.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 July 2026
  • Last month, oil prices tumbled after the US and Iran agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and increasing numbers of ships were able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of tumble
Verb
  • Some Boston watering holes reportedly ran out of beer when Scottish fans descended on the city.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Thousands of visitors, both international and from around the country, descended upon Atlanta for eight in-person matches and watch parties.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of descend
Noun
  • Many individuals may unknowingly be entitled to American or Canadian citizenship through birth or descent, a valuable inheritance often overlooked.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • According to Guide to Iceland, Nolan primarily used the country’s dramatic landscapes for the story’s more otherworldly sequences, including Odysseus’ descent into the Underworld and his encounter with the Cyclops.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
Definition of descent
Verb
  • During the initial June 11 to June 20 period, revenue per room rates fell in the Miami area on eight of ten nights compared to 2025 while occupancy declined on every one of the 10 nights, according to CoStar.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • MedStar Washington Hospital Center cites financial pressure and declining birth rates.
    — Kendall Staton, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of decline

Browse Nearby Words

plunders
plunge
plunged
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Cite this Entry

“Plunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plunge. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on plunge

Nglish: Translation of plunge for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plunge

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