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 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 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

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

While not impacting immediate fuel prices, as development will take 7-10 years, the 100-year agreement aims to offset future declines in domestic shale production.

— David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
In Asia, markets fell with South Korean equities leading declines in the region.

— Lee Ying Shan,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of declines

Noun

To find out, the team released 35-microliter water drops, about the size of a large raindrop, containing a pinch of salt to mimic rainwater, onto a surface tilted at 50 degrees.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Although the press picks up on the drops, there are adds as well.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of drops

Noun

Lenders, and borrowers, care whether a mortgage can remain affordable through job changes, slowdowns, illnesses or other disruptions.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Refining Client Narratives Takes Priority Summer slowdowns should be seen as a strategic advantage.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of downshifts

noun

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