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
-
This naturally stretches your torso and decreases pressure on the diaphragm on the side where the pain is.—
Sarah Klein,
Outside,
23 Feb. 2026 -
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Typically, that ebbs over the course of the season, as players play together more often.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Not Carolyn, who shrinks even from Calvin’s attempt to document her elegant outfit — John’s button-down shirt tucked into a black skirt, a CBK classic — with a Polaroid.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
-
If other states mint new millionaires faster—through a tech boom (in California), an energy boom (in Texas), or real-estate inflation (in Florida)—New York’s slice shrinks regardless of migration.—
Christopher Marquis,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even after the snow tapers off, the weekend will remian breezy and cold across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with wind gusts of 30 to over 60 mph possible.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
31 Jan. 2026
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Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly once snow begins, and hazardous conditions could persist into Sunday morning before snow tapers off.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Badgett added that vitamin D production may also decrease as kidney function declines with age, especially in older adults with chronic kidney disease.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
23 Feb. 2026
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The estrogen hormone naturally declines with age and when levels drop during menopause, symptoms can surge.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
23 Feb. 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 26 Feb. 2026.
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