slow (down) 1 of 2

verb

Definition of slow (down)next
as in to die (down)

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slowdown

2 of 2

noun

ˈslō-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce slowdown (audio)
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
New software, unusual pop-ups or unexplained computer slowdowns may also warrant a closer look. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026 That reflects a long-running slowdown in home construction driven by rising expenses from materials and labor as well as changes in local zoning and permitting rules and lingering scars from the 2008 subprime mortgage collapse. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 July 2026 While no single shift can fully explain this slowdown, rising housing costs in the state may be a culprit. — Matt Brooks, Fortune, 15 July 2026 Some theater owners, hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and production slowdowns, have expressed concerns the merger would lead to fewer films being made. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slow (down)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow (down)
  1. weaken
  2. decline
  3. slacken
  4. deceleration
  5. flag
  6. slump
  7. taper off
  8. drop
Verb
  • That makes the hot and cold sides quickly equalize, clearly weakening electricity generation.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
  • The Kospi Index has tumbled 25% since its June peak, resulting in a $1 trillion wipeout that threatens to weaken its global clout.
    — Winnie Hsu, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Definition of weaken
Noun
  • An analysis from the Florida Policy Institute shows that the SNAP caseload has dropped in every Florida county, including a 10% decline in Miami-Dade County, from July 2025 to December 2026.
    — Austin Horn July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Investing in nature is crucial for building resilient food systems, combating malnutrition, and preventing economic decline.
    — Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 22 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
  • Both are Saudi-flagged, according to maritime tracking agency MarineTraffic.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • The information is being run through a Department of Homeland Security program that checks for citizenship but has been criticized for its potential to flag eligible voters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • Related Stories California more than doubled its support for film and TV production last year in response to the post-strike slump.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • However, the stock has been in a slump more recently, dropping 28% in July.
    — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Definition of slump
Verb
  • The rain will be tapering off and skies will be clearing in the afternoon.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • The rain was expected to taper off, but another round of showers worsened already swollen rivers and flooded rural communities near the border with Mexico that had largely been spared major damage.
    — Jesse Bedayn, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of taper off
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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slow (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow%20%28down%29. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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