The performance of the verb "are erect" denotes the state of standing upright and straight. Its antonyms, on the other hand, can be any word or phrase that represents the opposite of standing tall or straight. There are several words that can be used as antonyms for "are erect," including slouching, leaning, slumping, collapsing, bending, and reclining. Each of these words represents a unique physical posture that is contrary to being upright or erect. For example, slouching refers to a relaxed posture where the upper body is bent forward, while reclining is to lie or lean back in a relaxed position. Therefore, while "are erect" indicates an upward posture, the antonyms represent various degrees of downward or inclined positions.