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
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025 -
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
As Elizabeth Hardwick and others have contended over the years, criticism has too often diminished as a form of argument and rigorous engagement.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In recent years, the gaming industry has been defined by mass layoffs, shrinking budgets and studios scrambling to replicate blockbuster success with Hollywood-sized spending.—
Keller Gordon,
NPR,
8 Sep. 2025
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With record numbers of Chinese retiring, the country faces mounting strain on its pension system and social safety nets, alongside a shrinking workforce to support them.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Little ink has been spilled for the Cats as the team takes on the rare task of sharing a field and a spotlight with a major league franchise, and the team’s attendance has ebbed in this first of three seasons sharing Sutter Health Park with the Athletics.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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His standing among the fanbase continues to ebb, with elimination from the Carabao Cup the latest setback.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Burberry's share price has fallen sharply over recent years, declining almost 80% from April 2023 to September 2024, as waning sales and a slew of management changes exacerbated a wider luxury downturn.—
Karen Gilchrist,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
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Morris and his attorneys declined comment.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Some shower activity will likely linger into Saturday morning, but should taper off from the west by the afternoon.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
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Friday’s widespread storms that served up floods and gridlock to afternoon commuters from the Keys to Coral Gables should begin to taper off as people head back out for a night on the town.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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