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
-
These systems reduce manual checks, decreasing staff needed for routine tasks without replacing them entirely.—
Chris Ciabarra,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025 -
By April 2024, fuel costs peaked for the year before starting to decrease again in May.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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An Interior Department spokesperson declined to comment on personnel matters.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
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Boeing declined to comment, referring queries to American Airlines and investigators.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA TODAY,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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 24 Mar. 2025.
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