as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
the company downsized its overseas operations in an attempt to cut costs
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Recent Examples of downsize
My mother-in-law had just downsized from her charming but large house into a comfortable, brand new 2-bedroom in a lovely neighborhood.
—
Josh Max, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
This example of extreme downsizing clocks in at a mere 11.5 ft (3.5 m) in length and has a surprisingly functional interior for up to two people.
—Adam Williams
may 30, New Atlas, 30 May 2025
For this reason, significantly downsizing the number of U.S. troops in Europe, giving up key American military leadership positions in NATO, or backing away from the alliance in other ways appears exceptionally perilous.
—John Deni, The Conversation, 27 May 2025
More recently, however, Raul persuaded his father to downsize the scarabs from about six centimeters, or almost 2.5 inches, to as small as 1.5 centimeters.
—Kathleen Beckett, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for downsize
Josh Max, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
This example of extreme downsizing clocks in at a mere 11.5 ft (3.5 m) in length and has a surprisingly functional interior for up to two people.
—Adam Williams
may 30, New Atlas, 30 May 2025
For this reason, significantly downsizing the number of U.S. troops in Europe, giving up key American military leadership positions in NATO, or backing away from the alliance in other ways appears exceptionally perilous.
—John Deni, The Conversation, 27 May 2025
More recently, however, Raul persuaded his father to downsize the scarabs from about six centimeters, or almost 2.5 inches, to as small as 1.5 centimeters.
—Kathleen Beckett, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for downsize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downsize
Verb
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
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Yerevan has since sought to diversify its defense sources, reducing arms imports from Russia to as low as 10 percent by 2024.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Verb
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Downsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downsize. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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