SHUTDOWNS Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

shutdowns

noun

plural of shutdown

as in cessations

the stopping of a process or activity the factory resumed operation after a brief shutdown for repairs

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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 shutdowns Recruitment efforts were complicated by government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018–2019 that froze hiring and training, along with training restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026 The global refining complex has accumulated a massive maintenance debt that will force widespread, prolonged plant shutdowns for deferred repairs once markets relax. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 Back-to-back freeway shutdowns this week paralyzed traffic across Sacramento, and transportation experts say there’s no easy fix. — Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2026 The fallout of the COVID-19 shutdowns and the concurrent writer and actors strikes of 2023 has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. — Justin Birnbaum, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 The shutdowns, put in place in February, were part of an effort to give Swift more time. — Sara Hashemi, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026 Saudi authorities previously said that Houthi attacks caused temporary shutdowns at oil sites and injured 73 people early Tuesday. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026 Researchers also identified discussions about using Tor and maintaining communications after shutdowns. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 According to the complaint, Gilchrist would sporadically pay back his clients, but would come up with excuses such as government shutdowns and even claiming to be hospitalized to delay payments. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shutdowns

Noun

Temporary cessations of hostility, but no permanent closing of the moral and social divide between debtor and creditor, and no giving up on the thought that some lives matter more than others.

— Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Definition of cessations

Noun

The automatic stay halts proceedings but doesn't compel creditors to undo pre-petition filings without operative effect.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Since prolonged production halts can cause permanent damage to oil wells, shutting them down is typically a last resort.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 June 2026

Definition of halts

Noun

In this age of unremitting test screenings and CinemaScore, downer endings typically score lower, so Abrams appreciates that Cregger and Sony weren’t afraid to figuratively twist the knife in the audience.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
In non-linear lyric forms, the following collections braid love’s ruthless endings with its tenderest beginnings.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of endings

Noun

Trump’s comments came amid Houthi attacks on Riyadh that hit the airport, prompting the US to alert citizens in the region to prepare for possible airspace closures.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Fewer students equals less state funding, with potential layoffs and school closures looming.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of closures

Noun

There is already a feeling among many supporters that the time spent poring over marginal decisions — all those interminable stoppages for calls that are going to cause dissatisfaction, whatever the outcome — is far too much.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Telemundo, for its part, went the traditional route and did not break away for sponsor messages during the mid-half stoppages.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of stoppages

Noun

The product is applied to dry lengths and ends and works diligently to tame flyaways once you’re done drying.

— Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
To further test the adhesive’s stickiness, the team attached ropes to the ends of two strips of the tape, stuck the strips together, and used the setup for a tug-of-war between students and faculty.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of ends

Browse Nearby Words

shutdown

shutdowns

shut-eye

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“Shutdowns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shutdowns. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shutdowns

noun

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