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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratcheting (down)
Verb
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But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.—
Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2025 -
After his round, the Irishman did not tolerate the media diminishing his spot in the tournament.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The pool of available CPAs has been shrinking as Baby Boomers and some Gen Xers retire.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
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Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.—
Andrew DeAngelo,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
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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 3 Jul. 2025.
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