DOWNDRAFT Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

downdraft

noun

Definition of downdraft

as in downturn

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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 downdraft In Parker County, 69-year-old Kathleen Lietzke died as a result of strong rear flank downdraft winds on Saturday night, south of Springtown, officials said. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026 Until the end of March, Mag 7 companies’ performance had been caught in the downdraft that hit the broader market as the war with Iran took hold. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026 That perspective, in part, caused a huge downdraft in software companies earlier this year after a Claude Cowork tool sparked fears that, if machines can handle the work, why pay for software tools? — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026 As the thunderstorm nears its end, the downdraft is stronger than the updraft, which had been the storm’s source of warm, moist air. — Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downdraft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downdraft

Noun

For decades, letter shapes have been used to sum up the economy, especially following major downturns.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Yet a real resolution of the imbalances did not come until Japan’s economic downturn in the 1990s, which brought collapsing asset prices, persistent deflation, and years of stagnation.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of downturn

Noun

Though job creation held positive, August was the smallest gain since January and reflective of a broader slowdown in the labor market.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
What remains of the rock by this stage shrinks rapidly, also slowing significantly, with this slowdown occurring faster if the rock has fragmented more successfully.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of slowdown

Noun

After winning historic Latino support in 2024, Trump now faces collapsing approval as mass deportations, economic stagnation and inflammatory messaging like the bus graphic threaten GOP fortunes in the 2026 midterms.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
When the 2008 global financial crisis triggered the eurozone crisis, the deficit countries experienced sovereign debt crises, unemployment, austerity, and prolonged stagnation that unwound the imbalances.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of stagnation

Noun

And while GLP-1s can’t take full credit for it, General Mills’ top and bottom lines have been on a downswing for a couple years and are expected to dip more in 2026.

— Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Reeve noted pregame that the team’s defense has been on a downswing.

— Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026

Definition of downswing

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downcast

downdraft

downdrafts

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“Downdraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downdraft. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of downdraft

noun

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