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 enhanced subsidies started during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Biden administration and helped dramatically decrease the cost of premiums for these plans.—
Selena Simmons-Duffin,
NPR,
18 July 2025 -
There isn’t an income ceiling, but the percentage gradually decreases as income rises.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
18 July 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
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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The good news is that the potential to compound one’s wealth grows by the day as the world shrinks by the day through commercial advances that reach greater and greater numbers of people.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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Since Captain Cook had first arrived on the island, in 1769, measles, pneumonia, influenza, and syphilis had shrunk the population from around two hundred thousand to eight thousand.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Second, ultra-low interest rates engineered by the Federal Reserve after the 2008 real estate debacle further boosted cropland prices even as commodity prices ebbed back toward earlier trend levels.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
6 July 2025
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The Bears won only one of their last 11 games, and trust in Stevenson ebbed.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Disney officials declined to comment on individual plans out of respect for all guests.—
Jasmine Mendez
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
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Cal Fire officials declined to comment on whether either of the companies has had prior violations or enforcement actions, citing the active investigation.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 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 25 Jul. 2025.
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