RACHET Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

ratchet (down)

verb

variants also rachet (down)

Definition of ratchet (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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchet (down)

Verb

The backlog, which grew significantly under the Biden administration, has decreased for the first time in at least 10 years.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
However, the more time that passes from the peak, northern lights showings are expected to decrease.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of decrease

Verb

One thing that might be over — or at least greatly diminished — will be submissions for the supporting acting categories for limited series/movie next year if the academy makes this revision permanent.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Errors damaged trust and diminished influence whether or not the robot was expressive.

— Yigit Topoglu, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminish

Verb

The entrepreneur’s efforts secured him a place on the list of the Philippines’ 50 richest in a challenging year when a weaker peso took a toll on the total wealth of the country’s tycoons, which shrank 8% to $79 billion.

— Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The league will also shrink in some ways, including moving from 14 events per year to 10 – five team and five individual events that will take place all over the world.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrink

Verb

Daniel de Visé Consumer sentiment ebbed in July, continuing a generally downward slide that began in 2021, according to the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 July 2026
On SpaceX’s first day of trading, Wood’s Ark invested about half a billion in SpaceX, and has purchased more as the price has ebbed since its opening day.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Definition of ebb

Verb

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, has released reports on declining inventories based on budget documents and other public information.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Nike had the option to match the adidas offer and declined, making way for the three-stripe era.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of decline

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Browse Nearby Words

ratbags

ratchet (down)

ratcheted (down)

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“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ratchet (down)

verb

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