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 The churn that was supposed to solve for stagnation has produced a workforce that moves more and believes less. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Merz took office less than 15 months ago with pledges to reform and turn around Germany’s economy, Europe’s biggest, after years of stagnation. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 The energy announcement is designed to show that Burnham will move quickly to improve living standards after years of stagnation. — Reuters, NBC news, 21 July 2026 Our region faces real and serious challenges, including gun violence, neighborhood disinvestment, growing wealth disparity, population stagnation and a fiscal burden that constrains public investment. — Andrea Sáenz, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation

Noun

Wars, tariffs and years of uncertainty haven’t knocked a $31 trillion economy into a recession.

— Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
So far this year, employers are adding 61,000 jobs a month, up from 9,700 in 2025, the weakest outside a recession since 2002.

— Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

Howard shook off a shooting slump to pour in a game-high 23 points on 5-of-9 shooting from three.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
The slump came after the company announced that Jeff Dean, its chief scientist, was departing the company, re-igniting worries about the loss of top talent.

— Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

Andrew has also used neuroimaging research projects to study aging and dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.

— Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
And any product promising to treat pain, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal should stop you outright.

— Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of depression

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stagnating

stagnation

stagnations

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“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stagnation

noun

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