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
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Several people are still unaccounted for, but the number of missing people has slowly decreased, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 June 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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
Verb
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The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
Verb
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First, Musk taking on the president so publicly could further shrink the car maker’s customer base by angering Trump backers.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
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The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, but the workforce shrank by 625,000 people.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Choi’s style conveys that the world, even at its worst, rewards devoted examination; her characters’ long arcs, meanwhile, remind readers that just because anger has ebbed doesn’t mean it’s gone.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2025
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So why the ebbing growth as the global generative AI push remains in full force?—
Derek Saul,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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The April 11 ruling came during a hearing in Maryland, where a Justice Department attorney declined to provide basic details about Abrego Garcia’s whereabouts.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
7 June 2025
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Travis' declining mental health began to affect his parenting, which led Whitney to limit Travis' visitation, per a September 2024 court filing reviewed by PEOPLE.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Yet as lending has tapered off and grace periods on many loans have expired, China has emerged as the world's largest official creditor, according to a new report from the Lowy Institute, an Australian foreign policy think tank.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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According to Sea-Intelligence, there is a continuing year-over-year reduction in ocean freight capacity to both coasts until the start of June, before the West Coast availability tapers off again throughout the month.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
23 May 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 17 Jun. 2025.
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