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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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

What remains of the rock by this stage shrinks rapidly, also slowing significantly, with this slowdown occurring faster if the rock has fragmented more successfully. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 If the nation or city experiences an economic slowdown, rents and real estate values could soften in New York City. — Remy Raisner, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 As loans get more expensive, fewer businesses and consumers can afford them, and the net effect is a slowdown in economic growth. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026 Foot Locker was more exposed to the slowdown because of its reliance on legacy footwear styles and product launches, which were both fewer in number and weaker than expected. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slow (down)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow (down)

Verb

Dairy cows are producing less milk and birthing fewer or weakened calves.

— Vivian Song, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Though Hurricane Marie continues to weaken in the southern Pacific Ocean — and is expected to remain hundreds of miles off the Southern California coastline — the region can still expect to feel some effects from the storm over the next few days.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

His power slackened in 2025 before a slight resurgence this season.

— Andy McCullough, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
During an El Niño, those winds slacken, and the warm water slides eastward, leading to waters becoming generally one to two degrees Celsius above normal in the area around the Galápagos.

— Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 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

Verb

The Democratic candidate apparently paid $30,000 for a consulting firm to flag her social media posts for possible concerns, according to the report.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026
Chazz Surratt was flagged for roughing the punter on the opening drive of the second half, setting up Andy Borregales’ 50-yard field goal.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

The slump has sapped the power that has defined his offensive game, with no extra-base hits and just one RBI during that span.

— Jesús Cano, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The Orioles scored only one run over their previous three games against Boston, but Joey Cantillo (9-9) did plenty to help them out of their slump, allowing 3 hits and 5 walks and hitting 2 batters in 2 1/3 innings.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of slump

Verb

However, Brissett's play tapered off after he was hobbled by a knee injury.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Activity scheduling generally follows daily circadian rhythms, so more intensive experiences are clustered in the mornings, with a smattering in the afternoon that tapers off in time for slow sunset yoga or meditation.

— Jessica Ritz, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of taper off

Noun

The head coach lauded improvements from the offensive line, said the running game got better in the second half and refused to throw receiver Romeo Doubs under the bus, noting that drops sometimes happen.

— Chad Graff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Diamond drop earrings and rings, and a long crescent moon necklace, draped directly against her décolletage and plunging neckline.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of drop

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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 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of slow (down)

verb

noun

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