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 risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 Oct. 2025 -
Reduce watering during the winter as growth decreases, and increase humidity by using a humidifier.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The federal determination highlights how permitting males to compete on female teams displaces female athletes from podiums, denies them advancement opportunities, and diminishes their visibility and recognition in competitions.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For them the band shrinks to 63 to 140 mg/dL because higher glucose levels can hurt the developing fetus.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Each day, an online map shows a 420-mile circle surrounding its location, which shrinks daily over 21 days.—
Shane Connuck
October 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Crypto declines, however, have the reverse effect.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Unless LaVine miraculously declines his $49 million for 2026-27, the Kings may be left to just extend Murray, re-sign Ellis and run it back for another year.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
10 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 19 Oct. 2025.
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