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 Other competitions like Champions League vary based on performance, not to mention the gradual stagnation of that overall pile of money, as Latty pointed out. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation

Noun

Additionally, despite rising yields, the odds of a US recession remain exceptionally low at 8%.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
And the Congressional Budget Office estimated earlier this week that the annual gap between government revenue and spending would top $2 trillion this year, a remarkable number outside of recessions.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

The trip to hitter-friendly Mile High City, and a matchup against the last-place team in the NL West, came at the perfect time for the Dodgers, ending a collective slump.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
While the defense overwhelmed the Dolphins’ offense, with interceptions by Deonte Banks in 1-on-1 drills and Paulson Adebo in 11-on-11, Jaxson Dart snapped out of his slump.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

Many women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth also develop symptoms of depression.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey accuse Meta of designing the platforms to hook young users, fueling anxiety, depression and even suicide, and misleading consumers about their safety.

— Reuters, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of depression

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stagnation

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“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stagnation

noun

Example Sentences

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