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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
Symptoms gradually decrease over time. Health, 23 Oct. 2025 As temperatures fall, tire pressure can decrease one to two pounds per square inch for every 10-degree decrease, according to the American Automobile Association. Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
Prices across Louisville have generally followed the national trend, showing significant decreases from their peak in the first quarter of 2025. Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Oct. 2025 As temperatures fall, tire pressure can decrease one to two pounds per square inch for every 10-degree decrease, according to the American Automobile Association. Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decrease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
Verb
  • October has seen 93 blank sailings, up from 58 in September, according to data from maritime research firm Drewry, with container capacity reduced by roughly 7 percent month over month.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2025
  • By cutting the cost and complexity of closings, the company hopes to expand access to homeownership, reduce fraud, and help smaller regional title firms compete with national giants.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.
    STEPHEN WERTHEIM, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Social media feeds can lead people toward the dark side with negative content or content that can diminish self-esteem.
    NPR, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The e-commerce behemoth is planning the workforce reduction largely to compensate for overhiring during the pandemic; its CEO also said AI could lead to the automation of routine tasks.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Temperature reductions from extensive tree coverage offer sustainability benefits beyond mere aesthetics — a critical consideration in a climate where outdoor spaces become nearly uninhabitable for months each year.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dray also highlighted Honeywell’s strong and enduring core businesses, which subsiding headwinds from here should allow the market to focus better on.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • As the mid-Missouri heat and humidity finally subside, any outdoor activity—from the perfect wine picnic to a Katy Trail hike—is much more pleasant.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Since hip-hop hit a market peak in 2020, it's been a slow decline ever since, the outlet reports.
    Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Blank sailings have only gotten more prevalent as ocean carriers aimed to stop months of declines in freight rates after a softer-than-usual peak shipping season.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Grandma's fall inspires middle schooler's invention Kevin said his grandmother, who lives with his family, fell at home about five years ago.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Phillies clearly have work to do this offseason after falling short in the NLCS, but restoring the relationship with Harper and emphasizing how false the rumors are needs to be a top priority.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Oversize black aviator sunglasses and citrine drop earrings were the perfect finishing touches.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • These lightweight, waterproof shoes feature plush cushioning and a 12mm heel-to-toe drop to absorb impact during heel strikes.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Liverpool eased their Champions League jitters by thrashing Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday; now for the Premier League.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But for consumers, higher wages on paper do not appear to have eased the sting of rising prices, according to several recent surveys.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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