1
as in slumps
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in withdrawals
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of recessions
Created in the 1950s, the number typically rises during good economic times and bottoms out during recessions.
—
Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Their research and resulting report, for instance, found that over the past five recessions, the total GDP declines from dips in tourism averaged a 10% dip.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
The sell-off in the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) has been arguably one of the most severe in the software sector’s history outside of major recessions or crashes like 2008 and 2022.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
The data can’t foresee recessions or pandemics—or the arrival of a technology that might do to the workforce what an asteroid did to the dinosaurs.
—Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Our business has experienced recessions, booms and everything in between.
—Raymond Gallagher, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
The results are bad recessions and suffering by most of the population.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The Fed, under Chair Paul Volcker, eventually brought it under control, but only after two wrenching recessions in the early 1980s.
—Raghuram Rajan, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
If state leaders make these smart — but hard — choices, the payoff will be greater affordability, better services, sustained competitiveness, and protection against recessions and federal cuts.
—Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Their research and resulting report, for instance, found that over the past five recessions, the total GDP declines from dips in tourism averaged a 10% dip.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
The sell-off in the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) has been arguably one of the most severe in the software sector’s history outside of major recessions or crashes like 2008 and 2022.
—Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
The data can’t foresee recessions or pandemics—or the arrival of a technology that might do to the workforce what an asteroid did to the dinosaurs.
—Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Our business has experienced recessions, booms and everything in between.
—Raymond Gallagher, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
The results are bad recessions and suffering by most of the population.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The Fed, under Chair Paul Volcker, eventually brought it under control, but only after two wrenching recessions in the early 1980s.
—Raghuram Rajan, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
If state leaders make these smart — but hard — choices, the payoff will be greater affordability, better services, sustained competitiveness, and protection against recessions and federal cuts.
—Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recessions
Noun
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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
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There were hot streaks in the postseason, but also difficult slumps in the regular season.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The same is true for withdrawals from 529 college savings plans owned by non-custodial relatives.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
-
There is no penalty if the withdrawals are used for a qualifying expense, such as education, birth or adoption, eligible medical expenses or a first-time home purchase.—
Virginia Hammerle,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Make shallow depressions for your rhizomes and cover so new green growth sits just above the soil surface.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The strongest winds occur during the wintertime and are due to depressions in the Atlantic.—
Josh Lew,
Treehugger,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Jessie Peck, now the longest-reigning member of the Spinners, was chosen for such a role in 2008 by founders Henry Fambrough and Bobby Smith prior to their respective retirements.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
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The majority of employees took voluntary buyouts and early retirements, according to the agency.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The backstory Sitting on the site of a former sugar and coconut plantation from the late 1790s, the sprawling property encompasses the resort, as well as 39 private rental retreats and 80 residential units.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recessions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recessions. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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