variants
also rachet (down)
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
news stories about the kidnapping will ratchet down as the weeks go by
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchet (down)
Verb
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The folate in avocado also aids in controlling serotonin and dopamine levels, which can decrease risk of depression.—
Sheah Rarback,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025 -
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,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, the cultural visibility of this incomparable art has been diminishing for years, at least in this country.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
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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
Verb
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Their margins have shrunk as competition and the share of money in low-cost index funds have grown.—
Hank Tucker,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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Among other things, the court has handed the administration wins on its efforts to shrink the size of the federal government, immigration enforcement, deportations, scaling back legal protections for transgender people, removing independent government watchdogs and more.—
Sonam Sheth
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Oil prices continued to ebb on Tuesday, with U.S. benchmark crude falling 3% to $66.49 per barrel and Brent crude also shedding 3% to $69.38.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
24 June 2025
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Trump pushes for rate cuts While the Fed's statement did not elaborate on why uncertainty has ebbed, President Donald Trump has eased some of his fiery trade rhetoric and the White House is in the midst of a 90-day negotiating period over tariffs.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Brown-Forman's sales declined 5% in the 2025 fiscal year, partly due to ongoing tariff disputes.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
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Though the state gained thousands of new residents in 2023, most Wisconsin counties are expected to face declining populations by 2050, according to a January report from the Wisconsin Department of Administration.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The leads have tapered off, but he’s promised the family that detectives won’t stop search searching until he’s found.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
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Participants ideally begin chipping in their own money at the three-month mark, and the support gradually tapers off over two years.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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