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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
For example, temperature decreases as altitude increases. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 The company’s stock price has dropped more than 25% year to date, and its earnings per share decreased 24% in 2024 versus 2023. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 19 July 2025
Noun
Energy Innovation’s analysis projects that less than 20 gigawatts of additional generation capacity from fossil fuels can be expected by 2035 as a result of the bill, compared to a decrease of more than 360 gigawatts in additional capacity from renewable energy. ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025 That's a 10% decrease since 2024, according to Influencer Marketing Hub. Kristian Monroe, NPR, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decrease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
Verb
  • This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 July 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, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Our best for autofocus, the Sony A7R V is on sale for $3200, a massive $1000 reduction from Amazon's listing price.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 July 2025
  • The physiological impacts of cold water, such as muscle failure, loss of coordination, and rapid reduction in core body temperature, can result in drowning.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Once the shock subsided, Wiley realized what an unusual and humorous experience this is.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Some victims say that grief is hitting them harder now that the acute crisis has subsided.
    James Rainey Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The condition leads to a decline in the ability to independently function, think and reason.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Policy journals brim with articles about American decline and the advent of multipolarity.
    Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The Northern Territory has previously experienced cases of falling trees causing death, per the outlet.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of July, which falls on July 20 this year.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Both phones use Samsung’s Enhanced Armor Aluminium frame and take advantage of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to protect the display from drops and scratches.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • The drop was even starker among Republicans, with that change from 88 to 48 percent — nearly cut in half — in the space of a year.
    Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Conscious sedation safely eases pain and anxiety during minor medical procedures.
    Pamela Assid, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • Such a levy — already proven to work during the war — would ease the burden on consumers and reallocate the tax burden to those most able to pay.
    Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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