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

Relevance

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 That surcharge, part of a recession-era effort to reduce a then-looming MTA fare hike, goes to the transit agency by law. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026 That’s the weakest September in records stretching back to the peak of the 2008 recession. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 He was hired by Italy’s Agnelli family to run Fiat in 2004 when, due to previous mismanagement and the recession, few in the auto industry believed it could be saved. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 The market is becoming more challenging, but that does not necessarily mean there is a recession. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recession
  1. slump
  2. withdrawal
  3. retreat
  4. retirement
Noun
  • When healthy, Ohtani has the ability to break out of even the most dire of slumps with an otherworldly performance, like that three-homer (as a hitter), 10-strikeout (as a pitcher) all-timer.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, even when people and businesses think ahead and act in their own interests, sticky prices can keep the economy stuck in a slump.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of slump
Noun
  • The second withdrawal of assistance that appeared to beset Ukraine Wednesday also suggests Trump is squeezing them harder.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • On forfeits, the WIAA argued that its rules allowing additional penalties for certain withdrawals apply to postseason competition and that any such penalty is discretionary.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of withdrawal
Noun
  • After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.
    — Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • An industry in retreat In 2026, hybrids and all-electric vehicles faced the same jump in demand from the oil crisis.
    — John Paul Helveston, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of retreat
Noun
  • Just 58% of American adults own stock, Gallup found in April, much of it held in retirement accounts.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • With a pending lockout, expiring player contracts and possible retirements, who knows what the future will hold.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on recession

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recession

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