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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In Cappelli’s view, decreasing rent and higher vacancy rates for affordable housing are signs that Denver is on the right track in helping renters.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2026 -
The news landed like a five-alarm fire for Hollywood workers and their representatives, who have already been battered in recent years by the outsourcing of production work, the 2023 labor strikes and studios’ and streamers’ push to decrease spending.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Feb. 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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An ever-shrinking club The club of people who have never missed a Super Bowl once included other fans, executives, media members and even groundskeepers, but as time has passed, the group has shrunk.—
Patrick Whittle,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
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The economy had shrunk almost to nothing, and sanctions levied by the United States and Europe were weighing it down even further.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This fact is why the tax- and fee-hike frenzy of the past year won’t ebb any time soon.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Finally, mercifully, the Bill Belichick/Brady era ebbed and ended.—
Greg Cote
January 26,
Miami Herald,
26 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 9 Feb. 2026.
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