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
-
Though the number of uninsured motorist was decreasing during the 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend, with some Americans, who were driving less often, dropping their insurance, USA TODAY reported.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
17 Oct. 2025 -
In addition, the rebound numbers could decrease for Towns.—
Stan Son,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Bean and squash yields (as measured by weight) were reduced when intercropped with maize, while maize yields were only slightly diminished when intercropped.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In previous Fortune coverage of inflation’s long tail, consumers’ coping tactics have included trading down brands, shrinking baskets, delaying car repairs, and leaning on credit cards.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Their numbers, however, have been shrinking as affordability weighs heavily on them, influencing milestone decisions like moving out of the family households.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Since the early years of this century, business dynamism has ebbed and productivity has sagged, turning negative after the global financial crisis of 2007–9 and slowing markedly through the 2010s.—
CARL BENEDIKT FREY,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Beverage makers are grappling with consumers’ desires for healthier fare, and sales of beer and soda have ebbed.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Hoyer declined to speculate on whether the major-league payroll would receive a boost after Wrigley Field hosted two playoff rounds.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The sentiment has affected Gulf IPOs, which are expected to decline to their lowest level since 2021.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The season continues through May and June, tapering off after early July, when snow starts to deteriorate.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Now that much of the nation has begun the transition to cheaper winter gasoline and with driving demand seasonally tapering off as temperatures dip, gas prices face additional downward pressure.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share