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
Financial impact on businesses near Empire Towers BG's Car Wash General Manager Hebert Dubose said the slowdown has had a significant financial impact. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 13 July 2026 However, questions are growing about the returns on these massive investments, sparking worries that hyperscalers could eventually be forced into a spending slowdown. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 July 2026 There is so much uncertainty in the industry, with AI and mergers and production slowdowns and changing consumer habits. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 While no single shift can fully explain this slowdown, rising housing costs in the state may be a culprit. — Karin Brewster, The Conversation, 8 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
  • The flow of dark traffic is one of the factors that helped explain why oil markets had weakened significantly by early June, together with a surge in exports from the US and pullback in buying by China.
    — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • But as several surveys have consistently indicated, optimism about our country's outlook has undeniably weakened.
    — Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026
Definition of weaken
Noun
  • The stock had logged its steepest one-day decline on Monday, as investors locked in profits amid growing worries over AI spending.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • After months of decline, gas prices across the country are steadily increasing after the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States broke down last week.
    — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 15 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
  • Match analysis from professional football also suggests around a quarter fewer explosive accelerations and decelerations at altitude than at sea level.
    — Alan McCall, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • Hamstring strains often occur during sprinting or rapid deceleration, while groin strains are linked to cutting movements and powerful inside-foot kicks.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 June 2026
Definition of deceleration
Verb
  • The operator allegedly made more than $90,000 in profits on the trades, although most of that money was frozen by Kalshi after the bets were flagged as suspicious.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • As investors fret that Netflix‘s viewer-engagement metrics are flagging, the streaming giant reported earnings for the second quarter of 2026 that were in line with Wall Street forecasts.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of flag
Noun
  • The comments followed lackluster second quarter financials with execs on the defensive as analysts grilled the company on what Wall Street perceives as a bit of a slump.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 July 2026
  • The slump in office leasing also unleashed waves of slumping values, failed property loans and even foreclosures of delinquent mortgages.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of slump
Verb
  • After delivery, the hair starts shedding at what can seem like an alarming rate—but this will taper off in about 6 to 12 months.
    — Isabel Lopez, Parents, 14 July 2026
  • The large multi-state outbreak in 2013 went from June to August before tapering off.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2026
Definition of taper off
Noun
  • Every drop hits like a quake, and each muscular beat compels you to shake your ass.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
  • The ride reaches speeds of 95 mph, climbs 325 feet into the air and has an 81-degree drop.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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