variants
also rachets (down)
as in decreases
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 ratchets (down)
Verb
-
Plan to mow every week until the day length decreases in late October and cold temperatures set in.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2026 -
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Student housing provides an obvious entry point, but occupancy ebbs and flows based on the academic calendar.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
The good news is over 162 games production inevitably ebbs and flows, so before long the Red Sox will make some adjustments and the results should improve.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Without new buyouts to bring fresh software loans into the market, the existing pile shrinks as borrowers repay.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
The Delta already draws boaters, anglers and people looking for a place where cell service fades and the to-do list shrinks.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Acuna’s show business resume tapers off in the mid-2010’s, according to IMDB.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
-
After the strongest storms move out, colder air will settle in with the possibility of a few wet snowflakes before the precipitation tapers off.—
Gregory Padgett,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When a substantial fraction of that talent pool declines even to consider military service, no signing bonus will close the gap.—
Robert Krasner,
STAT,
1 June 2026
-
And yet there's been no change in women's biology, or the age at which fertility declines.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Ratchets (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchets%20%28down%29. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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