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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Moreover, parlay bets are getting more complicated as time goes on, decreasing the chances of winning.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025 -
In early January, the restuarant closed for two weeks to regroup after sales decreased by 37%.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Their patches of habitat and their water sources are diminishing; their feeding timeline has grown increasingly erratic, and more barricades are being built all the time, limiting their freedom of movement.—
Ganesh Marín,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
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And another sign the perception is of a Panthers team diminished.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This year’s version was probably the hardest so far because of a continually shrinking talent discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots on the back end.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Many of the outlets that still publish criticism have shrunk coverage or shifted toward fuzzier features that approach literature as little more than a lifestyle choice.—
David L. Ulin,
The Atlantic,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Agency officials and spokespeople declined to speak to ProPublica.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
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Trammell Crow declined to provide further details on the permit filing, including information on a construction timeline.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The season continues through May and June, tapering off after early July, when snow starts to deteriorate.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
25 Sep. 2025
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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
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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 12 Oct. 2025.
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