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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Some research has linked magnesium to decreased depression and anxiety, both of which can affect sleep.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
20 Feb. 2026 -
The deliberate, repetitive action is found to help lower blood pressure, decrease symptoms of depression and even protect aging brains from cognitive decline.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But some analysts say Iran's unprecedented weakness at home could diminish the flexibility of its country's leadership to make the kinds of compromises necessary for a deal.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
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The emergence of cable, podcasts and streaming audio and video platforms — none of which are subject to FCC restrictions in terms of content — have greatly diminished traditional broadcast media’s dominance in the marketplace.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Not Carolyn, who shrinks even from Calvin’s attempt to document her elegant outfit — John’s button-down shirt tucked into a black skirt, a CBK classic — with a Polaroid.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
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The researchers measured shrinking in that stretch of more than one meter per year.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Those disorders continue to overwhelm providers years after other pandemic-era mental health crises have ebbed.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Still, those earnings gains mean the broad market’s valuation has ebbed since October.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cassia County Sheriff Jarrod Thompson’s office declined to comment Thursday and directed the Statesman back to Larsen.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
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Durant declined to address the allegation directly on Wednesday.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some lingering light flurries will taper off through the day, but another system is expected to move through in the evening.—
Aki Nace,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
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The heaviest snow and strongest winds are likely Wednesday, with conditions gradually tapering off late Wednesday.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Freep.com,
16 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 23 Feb. 2026.
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