SLOW (DOWN) Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

slow (down) 1 of 2

verb

Definition of slow (down)

as in to die (down)

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Dissimilar Words

slowdown

2 of 2

noun

ˈslō-ˌdau̇n

as in decline

a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something disease experts are encouraged by the recent slowdown in the spread of the virus

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 slow (down)

Noun

Investors worried that higher rates could lead to an economic slowdown and potentially a recession, pushing the Dow and the other major averages to fall into bear market territory. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 29 July 2026 Strengthening Client Relationships Through Events Summer slowdown is for content and events. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The slowdown follows a series of escalating Houthi threats and attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026 Disney executive Thomas Mazloum said earlier this year Disneyland’s high percentage of California visitors — typically more than 50% of its audience — has helped mitigate a slowdown in international visitation. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slow (down)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow (down)

Verb

The storm was expected to strengthen further before weakening by midweek.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
While developing Se-jeong, Yeon envisioned a character who was an outcast but not someone weakened by isolation.

— Rachael Jung, Variety, 26 July 2026

Definition of weaken

Noun

In September 2024, state economists attributed the drop in play to a decline in scratch-off sales as consumers faced inflationary pressures coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic period, which saw a spike in Lottery purchases.

— Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Originally housing offices, its heyday in Detroit’s industrial age was brief, sliding into decline in the 1960s and ultimately going vacant.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

Following 2023’s Emotional Contracts, where producer Dave Fridmann injected a harder, radio-ready punch, Coin-O-Matic’s mellower Americana sound reflects a band at ease with itself, even when the tempos slacken and the organ gets buried in the mix.

— Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
Friday night weather The ferociously high winds that moved through the region Thursday have since slackened, but breezy conditions will linger through the weekend.

— Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Definition of slacken

Noun

Murphy, an instrumentation engineer, had designed electronic strain gauge sensors that could accurately measure the amount of G-force applied during deceleration.

— Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026
This would lead to massive deceleration forces that instantly pulverize standard tracking electronics, leaving search teams completely blind.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

Definition of deceleration

Verb

However, during the 13 weeks the request was under review, her name appeared weekly on a list of employees flagged for failing to follow the return-to-work policy, according to her lawsuit.

— Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Interestingly, Nielsen also flags an annual tradition might be forming.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 30 July 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

Facing a housing slump and declining consumption at home, China has ramped up exports to other nations to buttress slowing economic growth.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
The stock sank more than 7% in after-hours trading, extending a slump that’s pushed it down 11% for the year as of Wednesday’s close.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

Last school year the district experienced an enrollment drop of about 13,000 students, the Miami Herald reported and is projected to lose another 8,000 in the upcoming school year.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Besides Divinity, directed by Soderbergh protégé Eddie Alcazar, Willis used her own money to launch a clothing line, a venture that fizzled out after an initial drop.

— Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of drop

Browse Nearby Words

slow burn

slow (down)

slowdown

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Style

“Slow (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow%20%28down%29. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of slow (down)

verb

noun

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