1
as in recessions
a period of decreased economic activity
during the 1930s the U.S. suffered a great depression
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in holes
a sunken area forming a separate space
the water generally collects in the patchwork of depressions in the city plaza
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dents
the amount by which something is lessened
a depression in the number of new homes being built
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of depressions
However, a second cluster features narrower walls made of smaller stones, apparently built to block natural depressions in the terrain, as reported by Archaeology Mag.
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 Dec. 2025
Comedy's always done well during tough times, like economic depressions and just tough times in general.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025
This happened because the countries' leaders often stuck to the commitment to back the money with gold, which led to debt defaults and deflationary depressions.
—Ray Dalio, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
The impact craters are the depressions or markings left behind after something like an asteroid or comet crashes into the moon's surface, according to NASA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Sinkholes, depressions in the ground caused by the sudden collapse of the surface layer, can form for various reasons, including natural causes like intense rainfall, flooding or drought, as well as human activities such as construction and aging infrastructure.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Most tropical activity in the Atlantic – depressions, storms and hurricanes – occurs from mid-August to mid-October.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
The bumps and depressions were less than a tenth the size of the groove itself; even the most advanced microscopes of the day couldn’t detect features that small.
—Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2025
From this research, Motiva created its unique surface, which features depressions (approximately 16,000 nanometers in depth) that are the smallest available, according to a study published in the journal Case Reports in Plastic Surgery & Hand Surgery.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depressions
Noun
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If state leaders make these smart — but hard — choices, the payoff will be greater affordability, better services, sustained competitiveness, and protection against recessions and federal cuts.—
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As noted earlier, remittances tend to hold steady or even rise during recessions, currency shocks, or natural disasters in receiving countries.—
Noun
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Officers saw multiple bullet holes on the metal fence dividing the properties and shell casings in his backyard, the affidavit said.—
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Add a pass rusher with the first pick, a receiver in Round 2 and then spend heavily on patching holes in free agency.—
Noun
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Anyway, dents are coming for the Patriots next year when their road will get much rockier, and all of this schedule conversation will inevitably subside.—
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Keep yours protected from scratches and dents with this leather zip case.—
Noun
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Why are all the metals flying higher, while oil slumps to multi-year lows?—
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Behind him, his band, Kublai Khan TX, rears and slumps into its next song.—
Noun
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Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and infinity pools are carefully sited to offer stunning views without detracting from the scenery, reinforcing the sense that every feature has its place in the overall narrative of the property.—
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Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.—
Noun
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Prices for a list of name-brand items at Walmart, Woodman's, Meijer, and Target all saw slight decreases from November.—
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Some reports indicate decreases in blood pressure, while others suggest that ginseng can help normalize low blood pressure.—
Noun
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Plaque is the sticky film of germs that can cause cavities and make your breath smell bad.—
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Small owls like screech owls often sleep in tree cavities or nest boxes, while barn owls live up to their name by seeking out barns and empty buildings.—
Noun
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Even short-term or partial reductions in alcohol intake can benefit your heart, liver, and metabolic health.—
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However, the pace of reductions is expected to slow considerably this year, with markets pricing in just two cuts and the most recent projections from Fed officials pointing to just one.—
Cite this Entry
“Depressions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depressions. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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