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 top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025 -
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
26 June 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,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Because of rising wage inequality, more and more earnings have become concentrated above this tax limit and the tax base for Social Security has shrunk as a result, as my colleagues and I already discussed about a decade ago.—
Christian Weller,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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That means that as intimate partner violence increases, the resources for women affected by it are shrinking.—
Alana Semuels,
Time,
17 June 2025
Verb
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After 14 seasons in which its popularity barely ever ebbed, Blue Bloods was canceled by CBS in Nov. 2023.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 June 2025
-
As his adrenalin ebbs with relief, Aaron turns to the destruction.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
ProPublica,
19 May 2025
Verb
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That provision alarmed Democratic lawmakers at a time when public districts large and small are seeing their enrollments decline as more Florida families choose charters, private schools or homeschool options.—
Kate Payne,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 June 2025
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But the league declined to comment on any punishment for the official.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Some are in the early stages of exploring the medication, others are already using it and still others are tapering off or have stopped.—
Stephen Sokoler,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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The growth in that source of income has tapered off in recent years — something city officials attribute to decreases in consumer confidence.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
9 June 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 1 Jul. 2025.
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