variants
also rachet (down)
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
news stories about the kidnapping will ratchet down as the weeks go by
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchet (down)
Verb
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025 -
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Amazon and other tech companies have also been shrinking their workforces through rolling layoffs over the past several years.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
1 July 2025
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This time limit shrinks to 1 hour if the mercury rises to 90°F or higher, according to the USDA.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Following a parade of corruption scandals, pervasive electoral fraud and voter suppression, violence, and economic crises, however, PRI’s stranglehold over Mexican governance had ebbed, and a pro-democracy political faction, led by the National Action Party (PAN), gained strength.—
Rebecca Grant
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
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The conflict, which began with an Israeli attack against Iran on June 13, has sent oil prices yo-yo-ing, which has in turn caused seesaw moves for the U.S. stock market because of rising and ebbing fears that the war could disrupt the global flow of crude.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
Verb
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LeBron James already opted in to a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers for next season, the Rockets traded for Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers saw James Harden decline his option in return for a new deal and a raise.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
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At the time, Harvard declined to comment on the president’s post.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Some are in the early stages of exploring the medication, others are already using it and still others are tapering off or have stopped.—
Stephen Sokoler,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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The growth in that source of income has tapered off in recent years — something city officials attribute to decreases in consumer confidence.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
9 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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