Synonyms of recession

recession

noun

ri-ˈse-shən 

1

as in slump

a period of decreased economic activity

the country is just coming out of a recession, so expect to see fewer layoffs and more new jobs in the coming year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slump
• depression
• panic
• downturn
• stagnation
• slowdown
• crash
• bust
• downswing
• downtrend
• downdraft
• downbeat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• growth
• development
• boom
• progress
• recovery
• advancement
• rally

2

as in withdrawal

an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable

a retiring CEO making a gradual recession from the daily rigors of running a major corporation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawal
• retreat
• retirement
• pullback
• pullout
• recoil
• rout
• revulsion
• disengagement
• shrinking
• flinch
• disentanglement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• advancement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recession

When the economy falls into recession and consumers stop spending, the annual inflation rate can slip into the negative. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Most economists now seem to agree that the immediate threat of a recession has passed, but that does not mean there is not concern about inflation, geopolitical tensions or a bursting AI bubble knocking the economy off track. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Shriver used her time in Sacramento to revamp the state history museum, build the world’s largest Women’s Conference and launch a program during the recession to provide low-income working families with financial resources. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

But there are hidden masses among us who need only catch a glimpse of its college-Photoshop cover art—a Statue of Liberty with her dress hiked up, dancing like the recession had just been declared over—to feel an instant shiver of pathos and pain. — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 5 July 2026