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decrease

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decrease differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decrease are abate, diminish, dwindle, lessen, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

When would abate be a good substitute for decrease?

The meanings of abate and decrease largely overlap; however, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When could diminish be used to replace decrease?

While the synonyms diminish and decrease are close in meaning, diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

When can dwindle be used instead of decrease?

Although the words dwindle and decrease have much in common, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

When is it sensible to use lessen instead of decrease?

The words lessen and decrease can be used in similar contexts, but lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When might reduce be a better fit than decrease?

While in some cases nearly identical to decrease, reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of decrease
Verb
However, by 4 p.m. ET on Monday, and following her comments, those odds decreased dramatically to –250, or approximately a 71.4 percent probability. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 Several people are still unaccounted for, but the number of missing people has slowly decreased, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE. Charna Flam, People.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
Is Closing This Week This comes as the company saw a decrease in total company sales over the last year, according to its earnings report. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 21 June 2025 In an unprotected market, similar such decreases would require about 12 percent more money, per the research. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for decrease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
Verb
  • And don’t overlook the device section—Oura Ring and T3 are significantly reduced, much to our excitement.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 June 2025
  • For all adolescents, participating in a sports team can reduce anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness.
    Gavin Yamey, Time, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • The most dramatic reduction came for the Honda CR-V, as the vehicle’s hood, mirrors and A-pillars all obstructed a greater portion of the driver’s view over time.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The move could result in layoffs and program reductions across several of its schools, the university said in an announcement.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The program’s vehicles were rentals and will be returned to vendors as the program subsides.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 June 2025
  • Once the killing subsided, a desperate search began to find a way to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.
    Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Continued decline in five-on-five production (which coincided with Patrice Bergeron’s retirement).
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan also contributed significantly to the squandering of its unipolar moment and setting off the decline of the American century.
    Narges Bajoghli, Time, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • When her moment came to walk the red carpet three days later, a radiant Cassie held hands with Combs, her hair styled to fall just over her injured eyebrow and eye.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Season two saw Valerie cast in an HBO project about the sitcom writer who made her life hell in season one, earning widespread acclaim professionally even as her personal life was falling apart.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Homer in the second Bases-clearing triple in the third The knock followed some other defensive shenanigans from the A’s, as Trent Grisham began the inning with a popup but ended up on second base after Sacramento’s second drop of the game.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • Inspired by streetwear marketing that plays on exclusivity and hype, Absolute Merch’s full-scale merch strategies also feature merch drops and limited-edition designs that power community and revenue, often leading to merch trades among fans.
    Andrea Zarczynski, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • In recent weeks, Trump has rolled back some of his steepest levies, easing costs imposed upon companies and alleviating concern about a sharp surge of inflation.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 June 2025
  • Ultimately, mastering this approach not only enhances your sales performance but positions your company among the industry's top-tier, significantly easing future recruitment and fueling sustainable growth.
    Ryan Hohman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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