downshift

verb

down·​shift ˈdau̇n-ˌshift How to pronounce downshift (audio)
downshifted; downshifting; downshifts

intransitive verb

1
: to shift an automotive vehicle into a lower gear
2
: to move or shift to a lower level (as of speed, activity, or intensity)
downshift noun

Examples of downshift in a Sentence

You can downshift to slow the car down.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
It’s said that 75% of car braking is by the front brakes, so 1916 Hudson drivers would probably downshift the car on steep declines, as this Hudson only had rear wheel brakes. David Krumboltz, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025 It's expected to downshift to a still-solid 2.2% pace this year, according to economist surveyed by Wolters Kluwer Blue Chip Economic Indicators. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 The post-pandemic period has caused experienced and respected colleagues to downshift, change jobs, or opt out of work altogether. Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 But none of those teams was prepared to downshift as dramatically, if at all. Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for downshift 

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downshift was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near downshift

Cite this Entry

“Downshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downshift. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on downshift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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