1
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
workers decreased the volume of water flowing through the pipes in order to prevent an overflow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to diminish
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the force of the wind slowly decreased until the flowers were standing upright again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in reduction
the amount by which something is lessened
the average decrease in the price of milk was five cents per gallon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decrease
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
Be sure to decrease your flame to a low simmer while cooking your potatoes to keep them tender and intact.
—
Inés Anguiano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 July 2026
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
It has been thought that hormone-replacement therapy puts women at risk for breast cancer, but newer data suggests that this is not necessarily true, and one form of estrogen seems to be associated with a decrease in breast cancer.
—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for decrease
Verb
Most of these early mandate states were centered around the Northeast, where viral spread started decreasing as a result of normal season patterns.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
Be sure to decrease your flame to a low simmer while cooking your potatoes to keep them tender and intact.
—
Inés Anguiano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 July 2026
Noun
And infections from Vibrio vulnificus linked to consuming raw or undercooked shellfish have been increasing as the presence of other pathogens in food decrease.
—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
It has been thought that hormone-replacement therapy puts women at risk for breast cancer, but newer data suggests that this is not necessarily true, and one form of estrogen seems to be associated with a decrease in breast cancer.
—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for decrease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
Verb
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New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
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The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
Verb
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Historically, after that period, the chances of survival without a water source diminish rapidly.
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Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.
Noun
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In Cañon City, Colorado, authorities are aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction in water use while asking residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water consumption.
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Voltage reductions were also happening earlier in the day in parts of Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Westchester, Con Edison spokesperson Jamie McShane told CNN.
Verb
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Without tick bites, red meat, or dairy to incite it, the immune response will subside eventually.
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A little light headedness was the only immediate side effect for a first-timer, but that quickly subsided.
Noun
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Surveys showing a decline in Americans who see democracy as important.
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This decision stems from chronic staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, budget constraints, and a substantial decline in the federal inmate population, which peaked in 2013 and has since fallen by nearly 30%.
Verb
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The woman fell about 1,500 vertical feet, from around 12,000 feet to about 11,500 feet.
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The report will also provide insight into whether American workers’ paychecks are falling further behind inflation.
Noun
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The patriotic ball drop is scheduled to air at midnight ET on CNN as July 3 turns into July 4 in Times Square.
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Tesla’s results – which came in above expectations – indicate the company may be recovering after two straight years of annual sales drops and the removal EV tax credits in the US, which has lowered the incentive for prospective American buyers.
Verb
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Despite hot, humid conditions, a respectable crowd has already gathered, with organizers expecting attendance to grow as temperatures ease later this evening.
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This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
Cite this Entry
“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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