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

Without such a slowdown, Amodei warned AI could be capable of letting loose a swarm of agents that could take over the entire internet within six to 12 months. — Michelle Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026 Valuations have been pounded to multi-year lows on persistent worry that current profits are unsustainable and the group remains vulnerable to any slowdown in data-center builds. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026 Greater reliance on exports, however, leaves China’s economy increasingly exposed to any slowdown in global demand. — CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026 Vehicles caused a traffic slowdown in the area as drivers tried to avoid the hole in the pavement. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slow (down)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow (down)

Verb

An evening spent practicing, creating, or enjoying your own company can strengthen your life outside the group without weakening the friendship.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
The grid, however, was already weakened given a lack of maintenance and investment.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of weaken

Noun

Prices have dipped about 40 cents over the past month, with much of that decline happening in the past two weeks.

— Willa Rubin, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026
The decline in oil demand was in part because high prices forced consumers around the world to make some painful decisions about their energy usage.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of decline

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

Bears will understandably point to the cont'd Services deceleration / agentic risk, memory cost headwinds, and a lack of real EPS revisions post-quarter.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
In addition, Apple said services revenue is projected to rise 8%-9% in the year-end 2026 quarter, indicating further deceleration.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of deceleration

Verb

Promoting a confidential 911 flagging program that allows dispatchers and responding officers to access information about an individual's communication style, potential triggers and strategies to help de-escalate a situation.

— CBS Baltimore, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix specifically targeted the outside corners throughout Sunday’s 26-21 loss with much success; the Panthers were flagged for five defensive pass interference penalties throughout the game.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of flag

Noun

Those issues were seen as the driving force behind the ANC’s latest slump in support.

— Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Stocks are extending their recovery rally to a second straight session after Thursday's postelection market slump.

— Jeff Marks,Matthew J. Belvedere,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of slump

Verb

Rain should taper off as the front passes, with drier weather following later in the day.

— Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
After a weekend marked by consistent downpours, South Florida will see more rain in the beginning of the week before tapering off into drier conditions at the end of the week.

— Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of taper off

Noun

But after five years, that drop didn't translate into saving people from suffering cardiovascular complications.

— Rob Stein, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
Acknowledgement of the defensive limitations of certain rotation components could have potentially forestalled the drop to defensive depths.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of drop

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slow burn

slow (down)

slowdown

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“Slow (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow%20%28down%29. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of slow (down)

verb

noun

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