slowdown 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slow (down)

2 of 2

verb

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)
Verb
In the first half of the year, Austin’s housing market continued its gradual slowdown, giving some potential good news for would-be buyers who have been facing one of the tightest markets in the country. Maryam Ahmed, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025 But the content spending slowdown from major legacy studios in Hollywood has hit the state as well. Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025 In the skin cells of the wild-type mice, within six hours of UV exposure, ZAK kicked off a series of cellular reactions in response to ribosomal slowdowns and collisions. Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 14 July 2025 Some analysts believe high capital gains taxes may be contributing to a housing market slowdown. Catherine Reagor, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for slow (down)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow (down)
Noun
  • These adjustment to scheduling, along with staffing changes and dining revenue declines, are impacting not just Jack Fry's, but the entire Louisville restaurant economy.
    Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • The world’s wealthiest nations are moving away from it, but the momentum in Asia and the Global South is more than enough to offset those declines.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • This weakens their ability to educate, create, and grow.
    Miguel Cardona, Time, 21 July 2025
  • This could help verify recent findings from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) that suggest this strange force is actually weakening over time.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Dine Out Lauderdale, Broward County’s recipe for recharging restaurants through the slow summer slump, returns Aug. 1-Sept. 30 with 137 (and counting) eateries selling multi-course lunches and dinners for $35 to $75, minus tax and gratuity.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2025
  • The Boston Red Sox are in position to buy at the MLB trade deadline despite a 2-4 slump against top talent coming out of the All-Star break.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The frames are loose, the light is cold, the rhythm slackened.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
  • While downtown foot traffic in the era of remote work has slackened, Rice Park remains a popular draw for downtown residents and visitors, and groups like the Rice Park Association and the St. Paul Garden Club provide advocacy, funding, park upkeep and eyeballs.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • The sharpest drop comes from YouGov/CBS News polling conducted between July 16 and 18, which shows Trump's approval at just 42 percent, with 58 percent disapproving—a net rating of minus 16.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • The local decline in veteran homelessness is part of a record-breaking drop across the U.S. since 2010, when the federal government began a focused effort to end homelessness among veterans.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Tracy Edwards, one of Dahmer’s potential victims, managed to escape and flag down Rauth and Mueller, taking the officers to Dahmer’s apartment.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
  • Bonds and Handley suspect their project's aim — to map racially restrictive housing covenants across Milwaukee County — led it to be flagged within the federal agency.
    Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • The degree of retardation is usually mild, but can be moderate to severe.
    Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2012
  • The criteria were: episodes that last no longer than 2 months, and that do not include suicidal feelings, psychotic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, or feelings of worthlessness.
    Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2013
Verb
  • The leads have tapered off, but he’s promised the family that detectives won’t stop search searching until he’s found.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
  • Participants ideally begin chipping in their own money at the three-month mark, and the support gradually tapers off over two years.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slow (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow%20%28down%29. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

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