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
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Rain chances will decrease next week.
—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
C. A. Bridges,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
However, this group saw meaningful decreases as well, falling from 73% in 2021 to 61% in 2025.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decrease
Verb
Orbán hopes the Patriots for Europe will be a vehicle for transforming the EU to his vision, for example, by decreasing the bloc’s purview in matters of rule of law and democracy, taking a zero-tolerance approach to immigration and steering toward deeper cooperation with Russia and China.
—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Rain chances will decrease next week.
—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
Though Allegiant added 49 routes, the cuts are still an overall decrease for the company.
—
C. A. Bridges,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
However, this group saw meaningful decreases as well, falling from 73% in 2021 to 61% in 2025.
—
ABC News,
18 June 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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The weight that was added to the structure over its lifetime diminished the building’s margins against failure, the report said.
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Louden points out that sometimes an English word strengthens and diversifies the Pennsylvania Dutch lexicon rather than diminishes it.
Noun
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The final number of staffing reductions could change as the district transitions between fiscal years, according to the district.
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With this uptick in usage, Google hasn’t seen a reduction of headcount – companies are leaning into AI as an enhancement tool.
Verb
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Shinnecock Hills did its part, even after the strongest wind subsided.
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While the most intense combat has subsided, Israeli forces have continued launching airstrikes and opening fire on Palestinians, leaving more than 1,000 people dead since the ceasefire began in October, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Noun
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That window is shorter than most executives assume, as mental and physical declines often begin earlier than midlife, while the leader still feels fully capable and engaged.
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The decline in energy prices is easing inflation concerns, which has helped push the 10-year Treasury yield down roughly 9 basis points.
Verb
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Scheffler, who fell nine shots behind with a pair of bogeys at the start, shot 32 on the back nine by chipping in from 65 feet on the 14th for the start of three straight birdies.
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Overall homicides in the United States have fallen for four consecutive years, according to FBI data analyzed by the Washington Post.
Noun
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Mix one drop of castile soap with 16 ounces of warm water in a spray bottle.
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Retailers face challenges from SNAP cuts and consumer fatigue, needing to demonstrate value as price drops will be delayed for months.
Verb
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Specialized unit built for tight spaces As summer temperatures rise and futbol fever spreads, the department's new bike EMS team is positioned to ease concerns during emergencies.
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Amirhosein Khorgooi | Reuters Early signs that the Strait of Hormuz is reopening have eased the most acute threat to global energy supplies, but economic damages from the nearly four months of war will take months to unwind, analysts warned.
Cite this Entry
“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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