ratchet (up)

verb

variants also rachet (up)
Definition of ratchet (up)next
as in to bump (up)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchet (up)
  1. maximize
  2. increase
Verb
  • The first Guardians made Marvel Studios feel okay with getting weird, but a more confident sequel was required to maximize the concept’s strange potential.
    — EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Countries including Kenya, Angola and Senegal have cultivated partnerships with China, Europe, Japan and the United States, seeking to maximize technology transfer while avoiding dependence on any one power.
    — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of maximize
Verb
  • Corporate America has dramatically increased investment in women's sports over the past several years as leagues such as the WNBA and the National Women's Soccer League continue posting record attendance and television ratings.
    — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Houthis’ allies The Houthis are backed by Iran, which began increasing its aid to the group in 2014 as the civil war escalated and as its rivalry with Saudi Arabia intensified.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of increase
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.

Browse Nearby Words

ratchets (up)
ratchet (up)
rate
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Cite this Entry

“Ratchet (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28up%29. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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