Synonyms of reduction

reduction

noun

ri-ˈdək-shən 

1

as in deduction

something that is or may be subtracted

there was a sizable reduction in her weekly pay when she decided to buy health insurance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deduction
• discount
• abatement
• drop
• decline
• diminution
• loss
• depreciation
• rebate
• dent
• decrement
• penalty
• forfeiture
• diminishment
• giveback
• kickback
• fall
• forfeit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• addition
• increase
• gain
• accession
• rise
• increment
• augmentation
• appreciation
• boost
• raise
• accrual
• accretion

2

as in decrease

the amount by which something is lessened

saw an 11% reduction in the number of students applying to the school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decrease
• decline
• dent
• drop
• diminution
• shrinkage
• depletion
• loss
• decrement
• abatement
• diminishment
• depression
• slump
• falloff
• drop-off
• fall
• subtraction
• step-down
• deduction
• cut
• downturn
• curtailment
• cutback
• shortening
• slip
• retrenchment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• increment
• gain
• enlargement
• rise
• addition
• boost
• accumulation
• raise
• extension
• supplement
• accrual
• continuation
• accretion
• step-up
• uptick
• upturn
• upswing
• uptrend

3

as in demotion

the act or an instance of bringing to a lower grade or rank

the captain was punished with a reduction to lieutenant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• demotion
• firing
• dismissal
• humiliation
• bump
• sacking
• downgrade
• layoff
• debasement
• disrating
• abasement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reduction

Violations marked as priority contribute directly to the elimination, prevention or reduction in the hazards associated with foodborne illness. — Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2026

Reached after publication Thursday, Hatten told The Star the economy’s downturn and overall traffic reduction contributed to the shop’s closure. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

The reduction correlates to the elimination of FDA support staff roles, or personnel who booked travel and carried out food testing for contamination, creating an administrative slowdown to efficiently carry out key safety and inspection protocol. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

Earlier this year, an open letter from agency leadership warned against using federal funds to buy harm reduction supplies like sterile syringes and pipes, or to distribute test strips for common drug supply contaminants. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026