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decrease

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noun

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
Compare one line to the other to see whether traffic times have increased or decreased. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025 This condition is marked by multiple sprains and long-term symptoms that may decrease your physical activity level. Laura Schober, Health, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
The decline in divorce rates has also contributed to a decrease in single adults for the first time in years. Janae Bowens, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025 These figures contrast with decreases of -0.9 percentage points in Colorado, -0.4 points in Minnesota and -0.3 points in Texas. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for decrease 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
Verb
  • Working with a sliding scale provider, as mentioned above, is another great way to reduce costs.
    Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
  • In an interview with Fox News Digital, Takahashi said this new report underscores how carbonated water impacts weight loss by promoting the sensation of fullness, which can reduce food intake and lower overall calorie consumption.
    Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Corporate philanthropy, too, has diminished, which is a particular problem in a city where business leaders once took pride in making generous contributions to the arts.
    David Allen Jenn Ackerman, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Health experts fear that a US withdrawal from the agency would significantly diminish the agency's resources and capabilities, leave the world more vulnerable to health threats, and isolate the US, hurting its own interests and leaving the country less prepared to respond to another pandemic.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The initiative's agenda includes aggressive deregulation, curbs on immigration, challenges to civil-rights protections, and a substantial reduction of the federal workforce, all with the aim of reducing the size and scope of government while reasserting executive authority.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
  • For example, Santander Bank saw a 40% reduction in loan processing time after implementing nCino—making life easier for their team and customers.
    Sal Rehmetullah, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Happiness is something fans appear to be embracing on Erika these days, with the onslaught of social media negativity subsiding in favor of praise.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Following last year's devastating tornadoes and storms, insurance challenges are unlikely to subside anytime soon.
    Linh Ta, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The statistics are alarming: teen mental health has plummeted since the widespread adoption of social media, with a particularly sharp decline following the pandemic’s surge in screen time.
    Raj Goyle, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • That’s all the more important for Champagne producers, as the sector has taken a nosedive in the past few years: Shipments fell 9.2 percent last year, and companies such a Mumm posted double-digit declines in sales during the most recent fiscal year.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • However, as so often is the case, this reaffirmed American ideal fell short of reality.
    AJ Willingham, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
  • No snow was reported, so maybe a trace at best fell, Hinson said.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His drop has turned into a days-long news story, in part because the Ravens now have three tight ends each with one year left on their contracts: Jackson’s security blanket, Andrews; Isaiah Likely, a quickly ascending pass catcher; and perhaps the best blocking tight end of the trio, Charlie Kolar.
    Sam Cohn, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The conditions of the game are believed to have played a role in the result and have benefited the Eagles, as Rams players committed multiple drops, fumbles and incomplete passes that appeared to be impacted by the snow.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • On Tuesday, crude settled below $76 and that will hopefully help ease concerns over a return of inflation.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Though dangerous fire weather conditions have eased, officials warned of other potential risks that impacted neighborhoods, including toxic waste and hazardous electricity and gas lines.
    Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near decrease

Cite this Entry

“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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