decrease 1 of 2

verb

di-ˈkrēs How to pronounce decrease (audio)
Definition of decreasenext
1
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent workers decreased the volume of water flowing through the pipes in order to prevent an overflow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to diminish
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually the force of the wind slowly decreased until the flowers were standing upright again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

decrease

2 of 2

noun

ˈdē-ˌkrēs How to pronounce decrease (audio)
as in reduction
the amount by which something is lessened the average decrease in the price of milk was five cents per gallon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decrease differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decrease are abate, diminish, dwindle, lessen, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

When would abate be a good substitute for decrease?

The meanings of abate and decrease largely overlap; however, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When could diminish be used to replace decrease?

While the synonyms diminish and decrease are close in meaning, diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

When can dwindle be used instead of decrease?

Although the words dwindle and decrease have much in common, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

When is it sensible to use lessen instead of decrease?

The words lessen and decrease can be used in similar contexts, but lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When might reduce be a better fit than decrease?

While in some cases nearly identical to decrease, reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

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 decrease
Verb
For example, temperature decreases as altitude increases. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 The company’s stock price has dropped more than 25% year to date, and its earnings per share decreased 24% in 2024 versus 2023. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 19 July 2025
Noun
Energy Innovation’s analysis projects that less than 20 gigawatts of additional generation capacity from fossil fuels can be expected by 2035 as a result of the bill, compared to a decrease of more than 360 gigawatts in additional capacity from renewable energy. —ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025 That's a 10% decrease since 2024, according to Influencer Marketing Hub. —Kristian Monroe, NPR, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decrease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
  1. reduce
  2. diminish
  3. reduction
  4. subside
  5. decline
  6. fall
  7. drop
  8. ease
Verb
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Studies have shown that matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
    — Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 26 July 2025
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 July 2025
Definition of diminish
Noun
  • The Bengals’ defensive changes should result in a marginal reduction in production, which moves Burrow just outside of the top three at his position.
    — KC Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • In 2024, the company achieved a $7/barrel West Texas Intermediate (WTI) breakeven reduction, and its overall breakeven sits ~$45/barrel.
    — David Trainer, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of reduction
Verb
  • Once the shock subsided, Wiley realized what an unusual and humorous experience this is.
    — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Riding the wave Still other curveballs can await a player after the draft night buzz has subsided.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Definition of subside
Noun
  • These adjustment to scheduling, along with staffing changes and dining revenue declines, are impacting not just Jack Fry's, but the entire Louisville restaurant economy.
    — Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • The sales drop was led primarily by a 9% fall in North America and declines in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
    — Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Definition of decline
Verb
  • The Northern Territory has previously experienced cases of falling trees causing death, per the outlet.
    — Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of July, which falls on July 20 this year.
    — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of fall
Noun
  • New episodes of The Sandman drop on Netflix at 3 a.m.
    — Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 24 July 2025
  • The local decline in veteran homelessness is part of a record-breaking drop across the U.S. since 2010, when the federal government began a focused effort to end homelessness among veterans.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
Definition of drop
Verb
  • Conscious sedation safely eases pain and anxiety during minor medical procedures.
    — Pamela Assid, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • Such a levy — already proven to work during the war — would ease the burden on consumers and reallocate the tax burden to those most able to pay.
    — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of ease

Browse Nearby Words

decoys
decrease
decreased
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Cite this Entry

“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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