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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ratchet (down)
Verb
-
New York Open Data showed that certain types of delays, such as those related to braking issues, rail and roadbed problems and service delivery, decreased on the A line from September to December.—
Nic F. Anderson,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025 -
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The intense criticism of the COVID response has left a lingering public distrust in health and diminished their influence.—
Tina Reed,
Axios,
10 Mar. 2025
-
The seeming smallness of the story does nothing to diminish the film’s bleakness nor blunt its ultimately devastating impact.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Too much laundering can wear out, fade, or shrink fabrics before their time.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Rather than expand services for children needing more intense treatment, many states are stuck with stagnant or even shrinking options.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But while Bowen is deeply revered by the fanbase, conjecture over Soucek’s importance to the team has not ebbed.—
Roshane Thomas,
The Athletic,
17 Mar. 2025
-
The rate of the increase of food prices has ebbed significantly but only notched a pre-COVID-19 level in August.—
Alexander Coolidge,
The Courier-Journal,
11 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Representatives for Boeing declined to comment on the matter.—
Rebecca Falconer,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
-
An Interior Department spokesperson declined to comment on personnel matters.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Residents of northern Massachusetts are bracing for 8 to 12 inches before the snow tapers off around midday.—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
9 Feb. 2025
-
What Happens Next The winter weather warning for Las Vegas will remain in effect through the evening, with precipitation tapering off overnight.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share