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
James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Its housing market has also crashed, with major centers Auckland and Wellington suffering among their worst slumps in history, following a post-pandemic surge – with prices down nearly 30% in the capital since January 2022.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Players move around, get injured, and go through slumps.
—Mia Sato, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
Teams go through shooting slumps in college basketball.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
While Scheffler would prefer to come out of the gates in the future, his first-round slumps are not a huge cause for concern for him.
—Bob Buttitta, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
The Cubs need that version more frequently without such significant slumps in between.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
How was a young vet like Josh Jung to pull himself out of an offensive quagmire if everybody else was too focused on their own slumps and routines?
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Midseason slumps are inevitable during the marathon of an NHL regular season.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
More generally speaking, there is a case that City are contending with different physical challenges this season, something that could be behind second-half slumps and sluggishness without the ball.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Its housing market has also crashed, with major centers Auckland and Wellington suffering among their worst slumps in history, following a post-pandemic surge – with prices down nearly 30% in the capital since January 2022.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Players move around, get injured, and go through slumps.
—Mia Sato, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
Teams go through shooting slumps in college basketball.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
While Scheffler would prefer to come out of the gates in the future, his first-round slumps are not a huge cause for concern for him.
—Bob Buttitta, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
The Cubs need that version more frequently without such significant slumps in between.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
How was a young vet like Josh Jung to pull himself out of an offensive quagmire if everybody else was too focused on their own slumps and routines?
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Midseason slumps are inevitable during the marathon of an NHL regular season.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slumps
Noun
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Simultaneously, major suppliers were having a price feud as fear of recessions loomed, and many states saw prices dip below $2 per gallon.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
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The report said Finland and the other Northern European countries’ steady ranking on top is related to a combination of wealth, its equal distribution, having a welfare state that protects people from the risks of recessions, and a healthy life expectancy.—
Kostya Manenkov,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 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
-
The 8-episode first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including rebellious second son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Loose ends and compelling payoffs await after a subdued and slow-ish first frame that struggles with a balance between dark brooding and uneven lull.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The roof flakes, the porch sags.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
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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
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As federal support wanes, state policies, like Colorado’s, could be crucial for providing the stability children need to grow, learn and thrive.—
Jenn Finders,
The Conversation,
12 Mar. 2026
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Despite running a mere 94 minutes, the film’s multiple threads are presented in a manner so outstretched their totality becomes dulled, as the inherent allure of the saga at large gradually wanes in energy.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Too thick of a mascara coat, and suddenly my gaze droops.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
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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
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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
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India and China bore the brunt of the visa declines.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Mar. 2026
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The result is a smaller but more engaged core market — one that is spending more per household even as casual participation declines.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slumps. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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