variants
also rachets (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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchets (down)
Verb
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026 -
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Davis has either tuned out or somehow remained oblivious to any fan sentiment that diminishes the magnitude of his home run because of what unfolded after it.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
If the College Football Playoff expands, the urgency of the regular season diminishes by comparison, and in a sport that had, inarguably, the greatest regular season in sports, that's a huge blow.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Student housing provides an obvious entry point, but occupancy ebbs and flows based on the academic calendar.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
The good news is over 162 games production inevitably ebbs and flows, so before long the Red Sox will make some adjustments and the results should improve.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Foundation and soil issues Charlotte sits in the Piedmont region, where red clay soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry.—
Ryan Brennan
May 15,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
-
Some CEOs see the increase in gas prices as an opportunity to steal more market share as the overall pie of restaurant spending shrinks.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Acuna’s show business resume tapers off in the mid-2010’s, according to IMDB.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
-
After the strongest storms move out, colder air will settle in with the possibility of a few wet snowflakes before the precipitation tapers off.—
Gregory Padgett,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As his mobility declines, he’s been unable to extend plays to attack downfield and has appeared unwilling to take some of the contact necessary to create explosive plays.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
As Simpson declines, the actress appears frail, diminished, stripped of poise and makeup.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Ratchets (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchets%20%28down%29. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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