variants
or less commonly rachet
1
: a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (such as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only
2
: a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel
variants
or less commonly rachet
ratcheted also racheted; ratcheting also racheting; ratchets also rachets
: to cause to move by steps or degrees
—usually used with up or down
tried to ratchet down the debt
: to proceed by steps or degrees
Did you know?
Slang Meaning of Ratchet
Ratchet also means “trashy and disorderly, sometimes in a good way.” Learn more>
Examples of ratchet in a Sentence
Verb
news stories about the kidnapping will ratchet down as the weeks go by
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
State troopers found the refrigerator wrapped in a sleeping bag, covered in carpet and secured with blue ratchet straps, according to the affidavit, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Mike Dojc, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
At the same time, Trump has ratcheted up his rhetorical attacks on Canada’s leaders, and repeatedly expressed a desire for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, infuriating many Canadians.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ratchet
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.
Noun
The program, which was immediately assailed by immigrant rights advocates, targets those who have not encountered immigration officials in the past, and ratchets up Trump’s deluge of orders and policy changes intended to toughen immigration laws and facilitate deportations.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
State troopers found the refrigerator wrapped in a sleeping bag, covered in carpet and secured with blue ratchet straps, according to the affidavit, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
This year, a fan experience tied to that initiative will further ratchet up the tournament’s charitable impact.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
At the same time, Trump has ratcheted up his rhetorical attacks on Canada’s leaders, and repeatedly expressed a desire for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, infuriating many Canadians.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ratchet
Articles Related to ratchet
Cite this Entry
“Ratchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratchet. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share