reduce
verb
-ˈdyüs\
Definition of reduce
1a : to draw together or cause to converge : consolidate reduce all the questions to one
b(1) : to diminish in size, amount, extent, or number reduce taxes reduce the likelihood of war
(2) : to decrease the volume and concentrate the flavor of by boiling add the wine and reduce the sauce for two minutes
c : to narrow down : restrict the Indians were reduced to small reservations
d : to make shorter : abridge
2 archaic : to restore to righteousness : save
3 : to bring to a specified state or condition the impact of the movie reduced them to tears
5a : to bring to a systematic form or character reduce natural events to laws
b : to put down in written or printed form reduce an agreement to writing
6 : to correct (a fracture) by bringing displaced or broken parts back into their normal positions
8a : to diminish in strength or density
b : to diminish in value
9a(1) : to change the denominations or form of without changing the value
(2) : to construct a geometrical figure similar to but smaller than (a given figure)
b : to transpose from one form into another : convert
c : to change (an expression) to an equivalent but more fundamental expression reduce a fraction
10 : to break down (as by crushing or grinding) : pulverize
11a : to bring to the metallic state by removal of nonmetallic elements reduce an ore by heat
b : deoxidize
c : to combine with or subject to the action of hydrogen
d(1) : to change (an element or ion) from a higher to a lower oxidation state
(2) : to add one or more electrons to (an atom or ion or molecule)
12 : to change (a stressed vowel) to an unstressed vowel
1a(1) : to become diminished or lessened especially : to lose weight by dieting
(2) : to become reduced ferric iron reduces to ferrous iron
b : to become concentrated or consolidated
c : to undergo meiosis
2 : to become converted or equated
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Other Words from reduce
-ˌdyü-
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noun
-ˈdyü-
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adjective
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adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms for reduce
Synonyms
abate, de-escalate, decrease, dent, deplete, diminish, downscale, downsize, drop, dwindle, ease, knock down, lessen, lower
Antonyms
aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, enlarge, escalate, expand, increase, raise
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Examples of reduce in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That means Charlotte is particularly vulnerable to any shifts in routes from American Airlines that reduce the number of connections. Airport executives point to the growing share of local travelers, however. — Ely Portillo, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte’s airport manages ‘tricky balance’ between low-cost hub and fancy new gates," 12 July 2018 Levi Strauss also pioneered a technique that reduces the amount of water used in the finishing process, expanding the technique to 70 percent of its collections. — Lorraine Mirabella, baltimoresun.com, "Fast fashion fuels sustainable-apparel movement," 11 July 2018 With a mission of reducing waste, the task force is developing a series of local events and activities designed to create awareness and get residents of all ages engaged and involved. — Courant Community, "Community News For The South Windsor Edition," 10 July 2018 So in some respects, yes, the classic romantic comedy—ones where women are reduced to male-obsessed beings—is dead. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Netflix Is Making the Rom-Com Cool Again," 10 July 2018 As this represents about half a median annual income, keeping a girl in school is a cost-effective way of reducing the bill. — The Economist, "Culture and the labour market keep India’s women at home," 5 July 2018 The polyphenol-rich mangos have the added benefit of reducing intestinal inflammation. — Sheah Rarback, miamiherald, "Ubiquitous mangos taste good - and are good for you, too," 29 June 2018 Gebhardt’s lawyer said the state lacked physical evidence linking him to the crime and were reliant on testimony from opportunistic witnesses — six of whom are currently incarcerated — who only came forward in hopes of reducing their sentences. — Christian Boone, ajc, "Judge in cold case murder: ‘Hopefully, sir, you have stabbed your last victim’," 26 June 2018 Town Finance Director Kevin Delaney said that the initial amount owed by the 27 accounts was $842,000, but the total was reduced by payments made. — Bill Leukhardt, Courant Community, "Berlin Tax Deed Auction Targets Chronic Delinquent Properties," 13 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reduce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for reduce
reduce
verb
English Language Learners Definition of reduce
: to make (something) smaller in size, amount, number, etc.
: to cause (someone) to be in a specified state or condition
: to cause (something) to be in a specified form by breaking it, burning it, etc.
See the full definition for reduce in the English Language Learners Dictionary
reduce
verb
-ˈdyüs\
Kids Definition of reduce
1 : to make smaller or less reduce expenses Reduce your speed ahead.
2 : to bring to a usually worse state The story reduced them to tears.
3 : to lower in grade or rank
4 : to change to a simpler form Reduce a fraction to its lowest terms.
5 : to lose weight by dieting
reduce
verb
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Medical Definition of reduce
1 : to correct (as a fracture or a herniated mass) by bringing displaced or broken parts back into their normal positions
2a : to bring to the metallic state by removal of nonmetallic elements reduce an ore by heat
b : deoxidize
c : to combine with or subject to the action of hydrogen
d(1) : to change (an element or ion) from a higher to a lower oxidation state
(2) : to add one or more electrons to (an atom or ion or molecule)
1 : to become diminished or lessened especially : to lose weight by dieting
2 : to become reduced ferrous iron reduces to ferric iron
3 : to undergo meiosis
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reduce
transitive verb
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Legal Definition of reduce
1 : to make smaller
2a : to convert (a chose in action) into a chose in possession enforcement action sought to reduce to possession her property interest in the…determination of money damages — Haynes v. Contat, 643 N.E.2d 941 (1994)
b : to convert by enforcement through litigation may reduce a claim to judgment, foreclose, or otherwise enforce the claim — Uniform Commercial Code
: to cause to undergo reduction to practice
Other Words from reduce
\
noun
\
adjective
\
noun
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