stagnate

verb

stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating

intransitive verb

: to become or remain stagnant
a puddle of stagnating water
wages stagnated

Examples of stagnate in a Sentence

a puddle of stagnating water
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Youth movement Youth will be one of the determining factors in whether this team moves forward, stagnates or backslides. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Summary Bitcoin and crypto prices have stagnated in 2026, with Bitcoin trading sideways around $60,000 after a 50% crash. — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 An 8-5 record in year one did little to quell those grumblings, and the recruiting was stagnating behind other SEC rivals like Alabama and LSU. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 That’s because the loyal Republican opposition is stagnating in the Land of Lincoln. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnate

Word History

Etymology

Latin stagnatus, past participle of stagnare, from stagnum body of standing water

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnate was in 1661

Rhymes for stagnate

See All Rhymes for stagnate

Browse Nearby Words

stagnant
stagnate
stagnation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stagnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stagnate

verb
stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating
: to be or become stagnant
stagnation
stag-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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