as in cessations
the stopping of a process or activity
the factory resumed operation after a brief shutdown for repairs
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Recent Examples of shutdowns
During previous shutdowns, Congress passed legislation to ensure that troops kept earning their salaries, but discussion of taking a similar step by lawmakers appeared to have fizzled out.
—
Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Like some Transportation Security Administration workers and air traffic controllers have done in previous shutdowns, Keyes said employees could call in sick in greater numbers if the shutdown continues for weeks or more, potentially stretching those processing windows.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Previous government shutdowns have not led to mass firings.
—Carlos Waters, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
John Palmer, spokesperson for the Ohio Hospital Association, pointed to policy changes, tariffs and inadequate reimbursement from insurance providers as some of the factors that are straining hospitals' finances and leading to service shutdowns.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025
But security officers are working without pay while the government is shut down, something that triggered worker shortages that led to long waits in security at airports nationwide in past shutdowns.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has also called for parks to be closed, citing past problems during government shutdowns that led to vandalism, sanitation issues and ecological harm.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
In the leadup to the deadline to fund the government this week, the White House directed agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event that Congress couldn’t reach a deal, rather than furloughing those not deemed essential as in past shutdowns.
—Connor Greene, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
History shows that stocks are usually unaffected by shutdowns, which tend to be short lived and have minimal long-term effect on the economy.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Like some Transportation Security Administration workers and air traffic controllers have done in previous shutdowns, Keyes said employees could call in sick in greater numbers if the shutdown continues for weeks or more, potentially stretching those processing windows.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Previous government shutdowns have not led to mass firings.
—Carlos Waters, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
John Palmer, spokesperson for the Ohio Hospital Association, pointed to policy changes, tariffs and inadequate reimbursement from insurance providers as some of the factors that are straining hospitals' finances and leading to service shutdowns.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025
But security officers are working without pay while the government is shut down, something that triggered worker shortages that led to long waits in security at airports nationwide in past shutdowns.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has also called for parks to be closed, citing past problems during government shutdowns that led to vandalism, sanitation issues and ecological harm.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
In the leadup to the deadline to fund the government this week, the White House directed agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event that Congress couldn’t reach a deal, rather than furloughing those not deemed essential as in past shutdowns.
—Connor Greene, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
History shows that stocks are usually unaffected by shutdowns, which tend to be short lived and have minimal long-term effect on the economy.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shutdowns
Noun
-
Considering that Supermassive is known for their alternate choices and endings, Little Nightmares III still feels like the source material.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Happy endings only happen in the movies.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Numerous road closures and flooding of vehicles will be possible, including portions of NC 12.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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The innovative lineup features purses with knotted rope details, a bag shaped like a sailor collar and a laptop bag with magnetic closures that transforms into a pouch for evening.—
Alex Wynne,
Footwear News,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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To analyse this further, 55 of their 107 yellows incurred after the 75th minute (including stoppages) are for tactical fouls (29) and reckless offences (26), while 24 have been for dissent/arguments.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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Across automotive assembly lines and steel plants, unscheduled stoppages are brutally costly.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Undermining the existing system for partisan ends won’t make the picture look any lovelier.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Twin Cities,
16 Oct. 2025
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Sheffield recalled her grandmother, who struggled to make ends meet, but always talked about the importance of education.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shutdowns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shutdowns. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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