STAGNATION Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

stagnation

noun

Definition of stagnation

as in recession

a lack of activity or development and especially economic development After years of economic stagnation, employment numbers began to rise.

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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 stagnation Both brands are owned by Chinese firm Geely, and Chinese automakers have been looking overseas to expand business as their own market has become oversaturated and is now showing signs of stagnation. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 10 Sep. 2026 After years of stagnation and decline, Taiwan’s defense spending is finally increasing. — Holmes Liao, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 After winning historic Latino support in 2024, Trump now faces collapsing approval as mass deportations, economic stagnation and inflammatory messaging like the bus graphic threaten GOP fortunes in the 2026 midterms. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Wage stagnation is preventing most people from building a future for themselves and their families. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation

Noun

Kjer said the department never recovered from the 2008 recession, when city leaders cut staffing by more than 25%, leaving it with about 1,500 workers last year.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Escalating real-estate prices, the rising costs of fabrication, and changing market demands (not to mention the underlying threat of recession) have made the mega-indie studio model increasingly difficult to maintain in major cities.

— Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

The latest update on consumer confidence from business group The Conference Board shows a slump in September.

— Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Retail sales slowed further, and the urban investment slump deepened in August, while industrial output rebounded on the back of exports.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

In April 2022, Wynonna and Ashley’s mother, Naomi Judd, died by suicide at 76 after a lifelong battle with depression.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
The drug has been associated in recent years with high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, who said it was prescribed to him to treat depression.

— Violet Jira, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of depression

Browse Nearby Words

stagnating

stagnation

stagnations

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“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stagnation

noun

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