DOWNSHIFTS Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

downshifts

noun

plural of downshift

as in decelerations

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

accelerations

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 downshifts Shift Assistant Pro, meanwhile, enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts, and comes as standard on every variant except the Base, where it can be added later. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 Smoother downshifts while braking matter more, but trying to step up a gear at full throttle anywhere near redline seemed to challenge the clutch-free system. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026 Rolling on the throttle produces immediate forward motion - bingo - without requiring frantic downshifts or high engine speeds. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The sound of the hybrid V8 is mighty, and the sound of the upshifts and downshifts is downright violent. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 15 July 2026 The already dirge-like film downshifts further, towards a more pleasant state of repose, as Robin convalesces. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 June 2026 This increases alertness, boosts available energy and temporarily downshifts nonessential functions like digestion. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026 Here’s where the trip downshifts into Southern charm. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026 As the 11-year cycle downshifts from solar maximum to solar minimum, the lights will begin to diminish in frequency and intensity. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downshifts

Noun

Match analysis from professional football also suggests around a quarter fewer explosive accelerations and decelerations at altitude than at sea level.

— Alan McCall, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of decelerations

Noun

In another set of studies, adults who made more frequent and extreme upward comparisons reported an immediate decline in self-evaluation and cumulative declines in self-esteem and life satisfaction over a browsing session.

— Ashwini Nadkarni, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
Negative divergences alone don't necessarily lead to immediate declines.

— Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of declines

Noun

Behavioral science research shows that when change is imposed from above, employees push back productivity drops, and resentment rises.

— Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Add a few drops of water, and these flavors are amplified, but the fierce heat is toned down that otherwise hits you on the back palate.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of drops

Noun

But the Postal Service didn’t specify which voters would be affected by the slowdowns and which wouldn’t.

— Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2026
Investors are betting on an enormous buildout, and data center moratoriums or other slowdowns could hurt forecasts for returns on investments.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of slowdowns

Browse Nearby Words

downshift

downshifts

downside

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Style

“Downshifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downshifts. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of downshifts

noun

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