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
-
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
-
Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Amazon and other tech companies have also been shrinking their workforces through rolling layoffs over the past several years.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
1 July 2025
-
This time limit shrinks to 1 hour if the mercury rises to 90°F or higher, according to the USDA.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
As his adrenalin ebbs with relief, Aaron turns to the destruction.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
ProPublica,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
LeBron James already opted in to a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers for next season, the Rockets traded for Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers saw James Harden decline his option in return for a new deal and a raise.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
-
The Financial Times reported that the U.S. Dollar Index had declined by 10 percent over the course of 2025, marking the weakest performance since the end of the Bretton Woods system, which was underpinned by the dollar's convertibility to gold.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Some are in the early stages of exploring the medication, others are already using it and still others are tapering off or have stopped.—
Stephen Sokoler,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
The growth in that source of income has tapered off in recent years — something city officials attribute to decreases in consumer confidence.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
9 June 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share