Synonyms of recession

recession

noun

ri-ˈse-shən 

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

• slump
• depression
• panic
• downturn
• stagnation
• slowdown
• crash
• bust
• downswing
• downtrend
• downdraft
• downbeat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• growth
• development
• boom
• progress
• recovery
• advancement
• rally

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

• withdrawal
• retreat
• retirement
• pullback
• pullout
• recoil
• rout
• revulsion
• disengagement
• shrinking
• flinch
• disentanglement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• advancement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recession

Escalating real-estate prices, the rising costs of fabrication, and changing market demands (not to mention the underlying threat of recession) have made the mega-indie studio model increasingly difficult to maintain in major cities. — Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2026

Americans’ assessments of both current and future economic conditions deteriorated and more said a recession is likely in the next 12 months. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Someone with mild recession around the temples may need far fewer grafts than a patient with thinning across the front, mid-scalp and crown. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Keep enough liquidity that a bear-market recession doesn’t force you to sell—or prevent you from buying—at market depths. — Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Sep. 2026