as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
the poor economy forced the plant to downscale production
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in down-market
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 downscale
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
That investigation was carried out by the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital and had previously declared a Level 5 patient-safety incident – the most serious category – about aspects of his care that has since been downscaled.
—Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
The fast food giant is struggling in its competition with other chains for downscale customers, who continue to be scared away by inflation.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 6 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for downscale
Verb
That anger saw the U.S. delegation's visit vastly downscaled, albeit with the addition of the vice president.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
That investigation was carried out by the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital and had previously declared a Level 5 patient-safety incident – the most serious category – about aspects of his care that has since been downscaled.
—Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Could his famous name and deep pockets mobilize the younger and more downscale voters who are unlikely to get jazzed up for a judicial election?
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
The fast food giant is struggling in its competition with other chains for downscale customers, who continue to be scared away by inflation.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 6 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for downscale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downscale
Verb
-
Its hypergolic propellant allows the missile to remain fueled for extended periods, reducing launch prep to minutes.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
-
For inmates already on a hormone-replacement regimen, BOP will consider placing them on a taper plan that gradually reduces their dosage at a safe withdrawal pace.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The company’s naming convention, for starters, doesn’t follow any kind of logical progression up- or down-market.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Middle class & down-market households experiencing a slowing pace of wage growth are clearly having difficulty adjusting to persisting increases in the cost of living ...—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This is a mistake that will substantially decrease America’s hard and soft power.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Nearly a week into the latest Middle East conflict, Iran’s strikes in the region have decreased significantly – while US attacks on Iran continue ramping up and Israeli strikes prompt panic in southern Beirut.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Officials say the city’s median income has not kept pace with rising rental prices, placing disparate pressure on low-income and working-class families.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
3 Mar. 2026
-
But utility bill hikes are regressive expenses that impact lower-income and working-class residents the most.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Through its clear imagery, operators can navigate safely and assess fire scenes even with poor visibility.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
-
An injection like this has a clear advantage over daily prevention pills in poorer countries, where patients – particularly young women – might struggle to access clinics or feel stigmatised for seeking treatment.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downscale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downscale. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
