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

Earlier this month, Education Department officials said borrowers who are enrolled in auto pay will be eligible for a 1% rate reduction beginning July 1. — Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Early analyses of similar proposals across the state suggest that reductions in property tax revenue could significantly impact local budgets and may require difficult decisions around service levels or alternative funding sources. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

These institutions join others like Temple, Johns Hopkins, and Syracuse in facing staff reductions, budget shortfalls, or hiring freezes due to various financial pressures. — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Joyner also credited growers who have stuck it out for more than two decades amid the statewide reduction in land used for citrus and as the state lost its industry dominance over Texas and California. — Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026