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
Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
There were hot streaks in the postseason, but also difficult slumps in the regular season.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Midseason slumps are inevitable during the marathon of an NHL regular season.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Just one week ago, Miami Heat center and captain Bam Adebayo was in the middle of one of the worst offensive slumps of his NBA career.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026
Why are all the metals flying higher, while oil slumps to multi-year lows?
—Kelly Evans, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
Behind him, his band, Kublai Khan TX, rears and slumps into its next song.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
In the fast casual space in particular, affordability has been cited as a factor in ongoing slumps, but across the quick-service landscape, a clear strategy is taking shape.
—Steve Milton, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025
Teams that set meeting windows, encourage short breaks, and support ergonomic basics may notice steadier output and fewer end-of-week slumps, especially when people adjust lighting, seat height, and screen distance to reduce eye strain.
—Jason Phillips, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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
There were hot streaks in the postseason, but also difficult slumps in the regular season.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Midseason slumps are inevitable during the marathon of an NHL regular season.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Just one week ago, Miami Heat center and captain Bam Adebayo was in the middle of one of the worst offensive slumps of his NBA career.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026
Why are all the metals flying higher, while oil slumps to multi-year lows?
—Kelly Evans, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
Behind him, his band, Kublai Khan TX, rears and slumps into its next song.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
In the fast casual space in particular, affordability has been cited as a factor in ongoing slumps, but across the quick-service landscape, a clear strategy is taking shape.
—Steve Milton, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025
Teams that set meeting windows, encourage short breaks, and support ergonomic basics may notice steadier output and fewer end-of-week slumps, especially when people adjust lighting, seat height, and screen distance to reduce eye strain.
—Jason Phillips, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slumps
Noun
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Created in the 1950s, the number typically rises during good economic times and bottoms out during recessions.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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Their research and resulting report, for instance, found that over the past five recessions, the total GDP declines from dips in tourism averaged a 10% dip.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 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
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The film tells the story 21-year-old Junyang, who drifts through life while his father quietly struggles to hold their modest home together.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The middle-aged woman cured of breast cancer who now struggles to climb stairs because endocrine therapy has carved away her bone density and caused joint aches.—
Gilberto Lopes,
STAT,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Unlike your average and typical pillow that sags over time, this one has hotel-like appeal because of its precise border for a structured, refined look.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
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Queen of minimalism, Janet has essentially just set type in panels—but the way the background sags like a deflating hot-air balloon, with the type recessed into it, is so wry and brilliant.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The movie follows Pastor Hélder, who, as his faith wanes, turns to witchcraft and sacrifice to reclaim it.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
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Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Procter & Gamble is selling diapers made with silk fibers in China as part of the company's strategy to entice shoppers to spend more, even as demand for some of its products wanes.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
22 Jan. 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 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
-
Their research and resulting report, for instance, found that over the past five recessions, the total GDP declines from dips in tourism averaged a 10% dip.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
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When the estrogen hormone declines during perimenopause, the body’s insulin sensitivity decreases, too, which affects overall metabolism.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slumps. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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