variants
also racheting (down)
as in decreasing
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 ratcheting (down)
Verb
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Supports Heart Health Magnesium and turmeric together may reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting cardiovascular function.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
29 Jan. 2026 -
Back then, debasement was done by decreasing the amount of precious metals within gold and silver coins that were used as currency and increasing the amount of cheaper base metals, like copper.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But while the statement is getting a lot of attention, the far bigger story in Ottawa is the team’s diminishing playoff odds.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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The committee’s Democratic members savaged Rubio for diminishing America’s global role; the meeting grew so rancorous that Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho who was Rubio’s closest friend in the Senate, had to repeatedly bang his gavel to bring order.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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They wed in September 2021, in the ebbing months of the pandemic.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Jan. 2026
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The state’s political appetite to keep transitioning away from oil has been clearly ebbing as residents balk at the cost of everything in California, most notably the chronically high cost of gasoline and the periodic spikes during a hiccup in production.—
Tom Philp,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The task force called for increased and more stable funding for fireworks disposal, noting costs nearly doubled in 2024 amid a shrinking disposal industry and rising seizures.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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The strategy involves shrinking membership, raising prices, cutting benefits and increasing transparency to restore profitability — along with the company’s reputation — after a series of hurdles over the last two years.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Snow from this weekend's storm is tapering off, but Arctic air is set to rush in and send temperatures plunging even further across much of the country over the next couple of days.—
Helen Graham,
NBC news,
26 Jan. 2026
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Snow fell throughout Sunday and was tapering off Monday.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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True dandruff usually appears as larger white-to-yellow flakes with a slightly oily texture that stick to the scalp and hair rather than falling away like fine powder.—
Allure,
Allure,
18 Dec. 2025
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Like a snake shedding its skin, The Girlfriend’s expendable outer layers are falling away to reveal a more interesting core.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The company‘s core broadband business continues declining as customers abandon cable for wireless 5G alternatives.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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Arnaout believes the absence of Maher took a mental toll on Wael which led to his health declining.—
Nicquel Terry Ellis,
CNN Money,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The brutal cold is not letting up in Milwaukee as temperatures continue in the negatives this weekend.—
Vanessa Swales,
jsonline.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Boston kept attacking to start the third quarter with Derrick White not letting up and setting the tone for the second half with a steal and layup.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
18 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Ratcheting (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratcheting%20%28down%29. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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