variants
also rachet (down)
as in to decrease
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 ratchet (down)
Verb
-
There isn’t an income ceiling, but the percentage gradually decreases as income rises.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
18 July 2025 -
The enhanced subsidies started during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Biden administration and helped dramatically decrease the cost of premiums for these plans.—
Selena Simmons-Duffin,
NPR,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, the cultural visibility of this incomparable art has been diminishing for years, at least in this country.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
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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
Verb
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Their margins have shrunk as competition and the share of money in low-cost index funds have grown.—
Hank Tucker,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
As the level of uncertainty goes down, the ellipse shrinks.—
Toshi Hirabayashi,
Space.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Second, ultra-low interest rates engineered by the Federal Reserve after the 2008 real estate debacle further boosted cropland prices even as commodity prices ebbed back toward earlier trend levels.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
6 July 2025
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The Bears won only one of their last 11 games, and trust in Stevenson ebbed.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Brown-Forman's sales declined 5% in the 2025 fiscal year, partly due to ongoing tariff disputes.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
-
The wrestler had first been pitched a TV series in 2002, but declined.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The leads have tapered off, but he’s promised the family that detectives won’t stop search searching until he’s found.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
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Participants ideally begin chipping in their own money at the three-month mark, and the support gradually tapers off over two years.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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