A "bear market" is an economic term used to describe a time when the stock market experiences a decline, typically lasting for several months or longer. There are a few synonyms for bear market that can be used interchangeably. One synonym is a "down market," which refers to a time when stock prices are generally decreasing. Another synonym is a "seller's market," which occurs when sellers have an advantage over buyers due to a surplus of goods or services available for purchase. Lastly, a "recession" is a period of economic decline that can last for several years, and is often characterized by high unemployment rates and a decrease in consumer spending.