STAGNATION Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

stagnation

noun

Definition of stagnation

as in recession

a lack of activity or development and especially economic development After years of economic stagnation, employment numbers began to rise.

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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 stagnation Both brands are owned by Chinese firm Geely, and Chinese automakers have been looking overseas to expand business as their own market has become oversaturated and is now showing signs of stagnation. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 10 Sep. 2026 After years of stagnation and decline, Taiwan’s defense spending is finally increasing. — Holmes Liao, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 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 Wage stagnation is preventing most people from building a future for themselves and their families. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation

Noun

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

Definition of recession

Noun

Exports have been a bright spot for China’s economy, which is otherwise struggling with slumping consumption and a years-long property market slump.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Hernández and Tucker both went through major slumps at the plate during the season.

— Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

The initiative’s goal is by 2030 to have empowered 3 million people to recognize the early signs of anxiety and depression, and take steps toward helping those.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
In addition to fentanyl, toxicology tests detected alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax; the muscle relaxant methocarbamol; and quetiapine, a medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and, in some cases, depression.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of depression

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stagnating

stagnation

stagnations

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“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stagnation

noun

Example Sentences

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