RACHETS (DOWN) Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

ratchets (down)

verb

variants also rachets (down)

present tense third-person singular of ratchet (down)

as in decreases

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually news stories about the kidnapping will ratchet down as the weeks go by

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchets (down)

Verb

Splitting the shot up decreases vaccination rates and leaves children unprotected over a longer period, experts say.

— Zac Anderson, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
When employees actively participate in shaping the policies that govern their day-to-day experience, engagement rises and turnover decreases.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of decreases

Verb

Once the journey time increases, the value proposition diminishes and the project is less likely to succeed.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that for every dollar added to the deficit, private investment loses 33 cents, which diminishes economic growth and wages over time.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminishes

Verb

The district’s cash on hand naturally ebbs and flows depending on when revenue arrives, but repeated Cook County property tax delays last year have deepened the problem.

— Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Participation ebbs and flows with the economy, dropping to 35 million in 2019.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Definition of ebbs

Verb

Elevated levels of insulin can increase DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles, which can lead to hair thinning and, over time, permanent loss.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold had a 5,015mAh battery, but the Pixel 11 Pro Fold shrinks that to 4,806mAh.

— Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrinks

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ratcheting (up)

ratchets (down)

ratchets (up)

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“Ratchets (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchets%20%28down%29. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ratchets (down)

verb

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