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
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When nighttime temperatures consistently stay below 70°F in the South, the grass growth rate significantly decreases.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025 -
Supports Heart Health The fiber in corn decreases the absorption of fat and cholesterol in the digestive tract.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Oct. 2025
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At the risk of over-generalizing, as the protein content of a drink rises, its deliciousness diminishes.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The basis of the action is that artists with accurate streaming data suffer when others have inflated figures, because their proportional share of Spotify’s royalty pool shrinks.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
3 Nov. 2025
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Released under Toyota Group's Daihatsu badge, the Kayoibako-K shrinks the general concept down even more, this time to kei car size.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But the rain chance tapers off on Sunday, with a 40% chance.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
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But as children become adults, their involvement in athletics typically tapers off — opting to watch sports games from the couch rather than participating in them.—
Hadley Hitson,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Moderating declines at Vans suggest that the brand’s overhaul is taking shape.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
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If the player declines the qualifying offer, his previous team is entitled to an extra draft pick as compensation.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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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 Nov. 2025.
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