ratcheted (down)

verb

variants also racheted (down)
past tense of ratchet (down)
as in decreased
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 ratcheted (down)
  1. decreased
  2. diminished
  3. ebbed
  4. shrank
  5. fell
  6. declined
  7. tapered off
Verb
  • While gasoline demand has decreased, AAA says, citing data from the Energy Information Administration, supply and production also decreased.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But while demand for the nifty two-seater has substantially decreased, the CX-5 has thrived.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of decreased
Verb
  • The influence and interest of the United States in the islands must be increased and not diminished.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Then, there is the rise of China, which has shifted Washington’s strategic focus away from Europe and diminished NATO’s centrality to American concerns.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminished
Verb
  • Daniel de Visé Consumer sentiment ebbed in July, continuing a generally downward slide that began in 2021, according to the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index.
    — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • On SpaceX’s first day of trading, Wood’s Ark invested about half a billion in SpaceX, and has purchased more as the price has ebbed since its opening day.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Definition of ebbed
Verb
  • That debt has not shrunk to match the smaller population now paying for it.
    — Lisa Nee, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That is the uncomfortable reading for the Western and Japanese incumbents still counting on combustion sales in China, whose presence in the top ten has shrunk to one aging gasoline sedan.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of shrank
Verb
  • Mixed Pro Doubles Recap Roos van Reek & Jack Munro stayed out of trouble and avoided the early knockout round upsets that be felled many of the other top seeds to claim the Mixed title and guarantee the double-double for themselves on the weekend.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The storm felled trees and power lines and caused serious flooding that swept some 100 homes from their foundations on the Big Island, authorities said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of fell
Verb
  • And while her office brought its findings to the Illinois State Police and Cook County state’s attorney, a spokesperson said, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke declined to immediately bring charges.
    — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators ultimately declined to file criminal charges against Brady Kiser in connection with the toddler’s death.
    — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of declined
Verb
  • The conditions were wet and and slippery at first, but the rain appears to have tapered off now.
    — NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • And several of the unflattering stats have tapered off a ton this last year, including sacks taken (27 in 2025, down from 62 in 2023).
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026
Definition of tapered off
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

ratchet (down)
ratcheted (down)
ratcheted (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Ratcheted (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratcheted%20%28down%29. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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