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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to die (down)
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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)
Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 30 Oct. 2025
Though the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release a September job report due to the ongoing government shutdown, a September ADP National Employment Report shows 32,000 private-sector jobs were shed in September alone, with hiring growth also seeing a slowdown.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Some officials on the Federal Open Market Committee worry further easing could reignite inflation, while others fear keeping policy too tight could tip the economy into a sharper slowdown.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Typically, in times of a labor market slowdown the Fed lowers rates to spur economic activity.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slow (down)
Verb
Schools may experience a slowdown in reimbursement for free breakfast and lunches in the coming months or weeks, potentially creating a cash-flow issue.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 30 Oct. 2025
Though the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release a September job report due to the ongoing government shutdown, a September ADP National Employment Report shows 32,000 private-sector jobs were shed in September alone, with hiring growth also seeing a slowdown.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Some officials on the Federal Open Market Committee worry further easing could reignite inflation, while others fear keeping policy too tight could tip the economy into a sharper slowdown.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Typically, in times of a labor market slowdown the Fed lowers rates to spur economic activity.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slow (down)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow (down)
Noun
-
Since hip-hop hit a market peak in 2020, it's been a slow decline ever since, the outlet reports.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Blank sailings have only gotten more prevalent as ocean carriers aimed to stop months of declines in freight rates after a softer-than-usual peak shipping season.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Everything about driving the EX30 came naturally, including adjusting to its one-pedal deceleration, which brought it to a predictable stop without my touching the brake pedal.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
23 Oct. 2025
-
This would mark the second consecutive quarter of deceleration in year-over-year growth, which is atypical at the early stages of a cyclical recovery—disappointing but not unexpected.—
Itzel Franco,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At the same time, leaving grass too long over the winter can shade the soil and weaken the grass.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In addition to the GOP leaders, most rank-and-file Senate Republicans also oppose repealing the filibuster that’s been slowly weakened by both parties in recent decades for Executive Branch and judicial nominees.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The fast food industry is in a slump, and Wendy’s isn’t immune.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
China manufacturing slump deepens.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And while Braum’s has recently slackened its former rule of not venturing 300 miles from the farm (that number is now 330 miles), Beuchaw says the company does not plan to inch out any further.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The potential for sharp, disputatious cultural criticism has arguably slackened.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Evidence pointing directly to Avery’s involvement included drops of his blood that were found in Halbach's Toyota RAV4 and her keys, which were found in his bedroom along with his DNA, per the Post-Crescent.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Bitcoin’s price has gone up 700% over the past five years — with plenty of stomach-turning drops along the way — while the S&P 500 is up 110%.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Here, Hunter returns to a familiar figure in Stock’s Ethan, a writer who made it out of small-town Idaho for college and then a life in Seattle, but whose career is flagging and bank account is running dry.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss is one of the best in the NFL at his position, yet he has been flagged for defensive pass interference more than anyone in the league this season.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.—
Mike Duff,
Car and Driver,
18 June 2021
-
The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).—
chicagotribune.com,
chicagotribune.com,
28 July 2017
Cite this Entry
“Slow (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow%20%28down%29. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share