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

Industry Events Keep Summer Moving For us, summer isn’t a slowdown. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 As for footwear sales in the region, the second quarter saw a slowdown of sales of high-heat product, alongside tougher comparatives and ongoing softness in end-of-cycle footwear product lines. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 The production slowdown was deepened by a shortage of raw plastic materials, triggered by ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which cut off petrochemical exports to North Africa for bottle manufacturing. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 An economic slowdown would threaten how much profit companies can make, which is the lifeblood of the stock market. — Stan Choe, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slow (down)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow (down)

Verb

But the White House cut its offices and weakened its ability to follow up with cases, as well as slashed funding to research on disparities that people of color face in getting diagnosed and attaining resources for disabilities.

— Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Higher debt can also weaken economic growth by crowding out private investment.

— Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of weaken

Noun

That rapid decline makes the question of how coach Dan Campbell and the team rebound one of the most interesting in the entire league.

— NBC Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
The local enrollment declines are mostly concentrated in local districts’ elementary schools.

— Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

Still further downstream the channel broadens out, and the slackening current has deposited débris and deadheads galore.

— HARRY H. EDEL, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
Surf-rock riffs, punctuated with pockets of silence, eventually slacken in tempo for a glorious, slo-mo finish.

— Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Definition of slacken

Noun

Over time, without regular use, the back of the body can lose its functional capacity for deceleration, which is when chronic knee pain generally starts to show up.

— Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
But Delapierre was flung forwards violently by the rapid deceleration and suffered a nasty face-plant into the cockpit.

— Andrew Rice, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of deceleration

Noun

The trip to hitter-friendly Mile High City, and a matchup against the last-place team in the NL West, came at the perfect time for the Dodgers, ending a collective slump.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
While the defense overwhelmed the Dolphins’ offense, with interceptions by Deonte Banks in 1-on-1 drills and Paulson Adebo in 11-on-11, Jaxson Dart snapped out of his slump.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of slump

Verb

Then there’s the question of whether demand will taper off, which is difficult to predict.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026
Rain showers got Wednesday started for most of the Philadelphia area, but that morning precipitation will taper off through midday.

— Bill Kelly, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of taper off

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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of slow (down)

verb

noun

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