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 years that followed were plagued by stagnation and dissipation of any peace process, regular wars with Hamas, and a heavily nationalist government in Israel. — Dahlia Scheindlin, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 Some Wall Street analysts suggested Kreiz became too focused on the entertainment side of Mattel’s business, leading to stagnation in toy innovation and slower sales. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026 Unlike the appendage, where atrial fibrillation is necessary for clots to form, stagnation and clot formation can occur within the LASP even in a perfectly normal heart rhythm. — Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, new data has revealed the stagnation or recession of women being hired or represented in production, both in front of and behind the camera. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation

Noun

Goldman Sachs thinks the layoffs are waiting for a recession.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
These governments implemented large welfare programs that brought about severe fiscal deficits and deep economic recession.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

Chief Financial Officer Shiv Verma told CNBC event contracts on crypto movements did well in the quarter, offering investors another way to express a view on crypto despite the slump in prices and spot trading.

— Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
There's a kernel of truth to it; Ohtani was clearly limited by several injuries down the stretch, with a lengthy slump accompanying an increase in chase rate and swing and miss.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

Officials say preliminary evidence indicates that all three substances are potent and could result in dependence and respiratory depression.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
When that bubble burst in the Panic of 1893, a third of railroads went bust, more than 500 banks failed, and the economy plunged into a four-year depression.

— Ming Lu, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of depression

Browse Nearby Words

stagnating

stagnation

stagnations

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Style

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stagnation

noun

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