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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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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The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
Verb
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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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Progressives say Connecticut has over-corrected for past fiscal mistakes, saving excessively and strangling core programs, even in times of high inflation or shrinking federal aid.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
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
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As his adrenalin ebbs with relief, Aaron turns to the destruction.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
ProPublica,
19 May 2025
Verb
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This is a manageable challenge, especially since the pressures on the program will eventually decline, as the Trustees Report shows.—
Christian Weller,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Reached over the phone, Barry Caro, president of Bartholomew Communications and Strategies, declined to comment.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
Verb
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The hiring pressures of a few years ago have tapered off.—
William Dunkelberg,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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In early 2025, prices rise again, peaking at $4.79 on Feb. 8, then taper off to around $4.00 by early May, finishing at $4.47 on May 17, 2025.—
Joe Murphy,
NBC news,
12 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 29 Jun. 2025.
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