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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchet (down)
Verb
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The rise of cloud computing in the 2010s forced Cisco to decrease its reliance on hardware networking equipment.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026 -
All dogs in the shelter are receiving antibiotics to significantly decrease their chances of developing symptoms, according to the news release.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
January 30,
Sacbee.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, as time went on, these differentiators diminished.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
3 Feb. 2026
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Even though the software is extremely limited right now—people can explore their AI worlds for only one minute—investors worry the service may eventually diminish the influence of major studios.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Warsh is also expected to try to shrink the Fed’s balance sheet and overhaul its economic models, per Bloomberg.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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ServiceNow's price-to-earnings multiple is shrinking dramatically, falling from the upper 60s in January 2025 into the 40s in April and continuing lower from there.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Finally, mercifully, the Bill Belichick/Brady era ebbed and ended.—
Greg Cote
January 26,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2026
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Typically, that ebbs over the course of the season, as players play together more often.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The driver and bicyclist declined to be transported to the hospital, according to officials.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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The sheriff declined to answer several questions, including one from a reporter who asked if there was a ransom demanded.—
Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another option patients may pursue is to slowly taper off the drugs over about three to six months and to focus on reinforcing lifestyle choices that support goals for overall health and weight maintenance.—
Amy J. Sheer,
The Conversation,
5 Feb. 2026
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Opponents start the race with a massive acceleration buff relative to the player that seems to taper off over the course of the session.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
4 Feb. 2026
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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 6 Feb. 2026.
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