recession

noun

ri-ˈse-shən How to pronounce recession (audio)
Definition of recessionnext
1
as in slump
a period of decreased economic activity the country is just coming out of a recession, so expect to see fewer layoffs and more new jobs in the coming year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in withdrawal
an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable a retiring CEO making a gradual recession from the daily rigors of running a major corporation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 recession Still, operating the family business had its hard times for Huynh, especially after the recession of 2008. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 The content of Franklin Roosevelt’s inaugural speech during World War II in 1945 is very different from Barack Obama’s 2009 speech on recovering from economic recession. — USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 Washington no longer borrows only during wars, recessions or national emergencies. — Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 Additionally, despite rising yields, the odds of a US recession remain exceptionally low at 8%. — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recession
  1. slump
  2. withdrawal
  3. retreat
  4. retirement
Noun
  • Unitree’s recent slump has raised concerns about how Beijing may boost emerging strategic sectors without stoking a speculative frenzy.
    — Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Cal Raleigh busted out of a season-long slump with the first three-homer game of his career Monday night.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of slump
Noun
  • The succession of scandals sparked an open discussion in the country about her suitability to the role of Queen, with some experts even laying out possible options for her withdrawal from royal duties.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Other possible complications include liver disease, allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and, when abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of withdrawal
Noun
  • There is a lot riding on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech here Friday morning at the Fed’s storied annual retreat in the Tetons.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Warsh, despite his arrival as a disruptor of Fed protocol, embraced that summer-retreat spirit.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of retreat
Noun
  • But flash forward 10 years and Klein is now debt-free, her retirement account is flush and her credit score is pristine.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The fourth pays through a smaller retirement check, because the money to keep it whole would have to come from more of the same borrowing.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of retirement

Browse Nearby Words

recessing
recession
recessional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recession. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on recession

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recession

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