as in recessions
a period of decreased economic activity
the stock market is in a bit of a slump, but analysts expect things to pick up in the next fiscal quarter
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Recent Examples of slumps
Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Some of it can be attributed to luck, and some to facing teams in the midst of horrific slumps, such as the New York Mets and Phillies.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Grier credited Warsofsky for helping to get the Sharks’ season back on track after at least three extended slumps.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
His season has been a rollercoaster at times, interrupted by injuries and shooting slumps and the overall adjustment process to playing in Jokic’s orbit.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
Those slumps have largely driven down the retailer's stock in recent years.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Everyone already knows about the Red Sox’s struggles, especially at the plate, but the Mariners and Tigers’ early slumps have been equally puzzling.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Everybody goes through their slumps.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
An offense with a collective mindset can protect guys who are going through some slumps.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
When managing a schedule of roughly 60 games, there isn’t time to be patient or let hitters work through slumps.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Some of it can be attributed to luck, and some to facing teams in the midst of horrific slumps, such as the New York Mets and Phillies.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Grier credited Warsofsky for helping to get the Sharks’ season back on track after at least three extended slumps.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
His season has been a rollercoaster at times, interrupted by injuries and shooting slumps and the overall adjustment process to playing in Jokic’s orbit.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
Those slumps have largely driven down the retailer's stock in recent years.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Everyone already knows about the Red Sox’s struggles, especially at the plate, but the Mariners and Tigers’ early slumps have been equally puzzling.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Everybody goes through their slumps.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
An offense with a collective mindset can protect guys who are going through some slumps.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slumps
Noun
-
That baseline held through wars, recessions, assassinations, stagflation, and 9/11.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
-
As a result, platinum and palladium prices may fall during recessions, while gold often rises as investors seek safety.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The effortlessly cool shape sits low on the hips, with a shorter inseam that slouches through a subtle, flattering drape.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Footwear News,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Anticipated state struggles to regulate foreign apps is why a federal ban would be preferable, 19th News reported.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
1 May 2026
-
In addition to his family situation as a child, Horner's lawyers have presented evidence about his autism diagnosis, struggles with mental health, lead exposure and issues with his brain development in order to convince the jury to sentence him to life in prison instead of death row.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The roof flakes, the porch sags.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Their constant companion in the campaign is the Amazona 180 bag that made its debut on the Loewe runway last October, a slouchy, one-handle style that sags open when left unzipped.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The risk with these agreements is that if demand wanes, the customers would still be on the hook financially.—
Zev Fima,Alexa LoMonaco,
CNBC,
1 May 2026
-
When that wanes, then such debate certainly would be merited.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Too thick of a mascara coat, and suddenly my gaze droops.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The cream should hold a soft, semi-sturdy peak that gently droops at the tip without collapsing entirely.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
This year’s team is an exceptional group of talented players, but their defense fouls too much, Smith dribbles too much and our shooting percentage often tanks.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2026
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This setback tanks the trade value the Mavericks had hoped to restore following his return from a left calf strain that kept him out of 14 games this season.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The book club always politely declines, given its specific chemistry.—
Maddie Connors,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
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Interest rates don't tell the full story One supposed silver-lining in the economy of 2026 that consumers had been hopeful was still ahead is a lower-rate environment as inflation declines, but the war and the surge in oil prices has upended the policymaking assumptions of central banks.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slumps. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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