as in deceleration
a usually gradual decrease in the pace or level of activity of something
there are promising indications of a turnaround in the prolonged economic downshift
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downshift
In an awards season filled with human suffering, the premise is a refreshing downshift.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s a big downshift from the first four months of the year, when job creation averaged 123,000, not to mention the 168,000 per month in 2024 and 216,000 in 2023.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
Speaking of which, Honda also gives you an assist/slipper clutch that ought to help you with your downshifts.
—New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
But Sport mode was always selected soon after, which, besides adding rev-match downshifts and turning off auto stop/start, adds sharp exhaust tones to its deep-bass-induction soundtrack.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downshift
David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s a big downshift from the first four months of the year, when job creation averaged 123,000, not to mention the 168,000 per month in 2024 and 216,000 in 2023.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
Speaking of which, Honda also gives you an assist/slipper clutch that ought to help you with your downshifts.
—New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
But Sport mode was always selected soon after, which, besides adding rev-match downshifts and turning off auto stop/start, adds sharp exhaust tones to its deep-bass-induction soundtrack.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downshift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downshift
Noun
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In its most recent quarterly results, Microsoft’s closely watched Azure cloud-computing division posted a slight deceleration in growth from the prior quarter.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Do note, though, that the airbag will activate only in frontal accidents and under certain deceleration conditions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Stubbornly high home-loan rates, a decline in the construction of new units, and economic angst are all keeping people and property developers from doing more deals, said Richard Green, director of the Lusk Center for Real Estate at USC.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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With the decline of legacy media, campaigns are increasingly turning to social media personalities like Washington to get their message out and humanize them to voters.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
Daniella Segura Click the link below for the USA TODAY Network's California June primary voter guide — registration deadline, ballot drop boxes, early voting, and how to track your ballot through Election Day.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
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This began with the system changes agreed upon before the Miami Grand Prix to reduce drivers backing off to boost energy harvesting (when the car’s electrical systems recover power under braking and store it in the battery) and to reduce dangerous closing speeds between cars.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
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Reduced visibility from fog, rain, snow or dust, along with sensor or windshield interference from droplets, ice or dirt, can obstruct perception, while slippery road surfaces can reduce traction and change braking performance.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Noun
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In the same report, BofA Securities found virtually all money managers are bullish on global economic growth, and only 4% anticipate a hard landing, when economies see a sudden slowdown or even a recession.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
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While layoffs and hiring slowdowns continue in many sectors, employers in industries like healthcare, skilled trades, logistics and manufacturing are still competing for qualified workers.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Noun
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The Everrati's left pedal operates pads on discs in the normal fashion, but the motors also give powerful regenerative retardation when the accelerator is lifted.—
Mike Duff,
Car and Driver,
18 June 2021
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The policy of retardation of submarine technology ended right after the beginning of the Anglo-German naval race (marked by the German Naval Laws of 1898 and 1900).—
chicagotribune.com,
chicagotribune.com,
28 July 2017
Noun
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During his slump, he had clearly been focused on pulling the ball.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
19 May 2026
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Commercial real estate has been in a lengthy slump, as businesses pulled back on expansion plans given China’s sluggish economy.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshift. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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