reduction

noun

ri-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce reduction (audio)
Definition of reductionnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decrease
the amount by which something is lessened saw an 11% reduction in the number of students applying to the school

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reduction In the world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, an out-of-town buyer looks to cut costs in order to help cover the share-price premium necessary to clinch the deal and those reductions typically come mainly at the expense of the seller. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 Activation of the first group of neurons, which the researchers called Npy+ neurons, led to a reduction in heart rate. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget marked the occasion by noting that the retirement program’s trust fund is projected to be depleted in six years, triggering an automatic benefit reduction of about 22% under current law. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 In past decades, the reductions in demand needed to counterbalance shortages in supply came primarily from advanced economies, which consumed the most oil. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reduction
  1. deduction
  2. decrease
  3. demotion
  4. discount
  5. decline
  6. firing
  7. dent
  8. dismissal
Noun
  • Meanwhile, tax deduction benefits from owning a team are more favorable than owning real estate.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • This means taxpayers won’t be responsible for determining eligibility or calculating their own deduction as many were for their 2025 return.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of deduction
Noun
  • Between June 15 and July 15, officials said the cameras issued an average of 2,800 violations per day, a 26% decrease.
    — Tim Fang, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Using birdwatching and policy data from more than 2,300 counties across China, a new analysis found that areas with stricter policies enforcing solar energy development have seen decreases in bird diversity over the last 10 years.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of decrease
Noun
  • Among them, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand opted against taking what was effectively a demotion, with play-calling duties going to a more veteran coach (eventually, Frank Reich), and left, too.
    — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The decision to exclude the REDI Taskforce lead, Sarah Vaine, from the meeting where the level of discipline was decided upon (demotion and suspension), rested solely with the former City Manager.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of demotion
Noun
  • Check the offer page to see which hotels are offering the discount—you’ll be happy to see fan favorites like Disney’s Grand Floridian and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge on the list!
    — Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, Apple offers its education savings program, which provides year-round discounts to eligible teachers, students and parents purchasing on behalf of their eligible child.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of discount
Noun
  • Bullish activity fell sharply, down about 50%, Meng pointed out, compared with a roughly 35% decline for bearish ETFs.
    — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Progressive cognitive decline that interferes with everyday functioning warrants further evaluation.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • The exposé alleged that Gomez was trying to distance herself from the company and outlined the messy firing of chief executive Daniella Pierson.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • More than 10 individual firings, between 900-910°C, were needed to create the clock.
    — Ming Liu, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of firing
Noun
  • But with a production goal of ten vehicles a year, the rocket won’t make a meaningful dent in the global need for launch capacity.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026
  • There was a closet full of phones people had thrown at the wall and dents in the drywall nobody ever explained.
    — Jeff Rabhan, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of dent
Noun
  • The former defence minister is popular among younger Ukrainians and his dismissal in July sparked protests across the country.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Opinion polls taken in recent weeks show that Fedorov has grown popular enough in Ukraine since his dismissal to pose a serious challenge to Zelensky in a presidential race.
    — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismissal

Browse Nearby Words

reducing
reduction
reductions
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Cite this Entry

“Reduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reduction. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reduction

Nglish: Translation of reduction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reduction

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