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
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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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The international expansion has come as California’s almond acreage has declined in recent years, pressured by rising interest rates and tightening water resources.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The hiring pressures of a few years ago have tapered off.—
William Dunkelberg,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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In early 2025, prices rise again, peaking at $4.79 on Feb. 8, then taper off to around $4.00 by early May, finishing at $4.47 on May 17, 2025.—
Joe Murphy,
NBC news,
12 June 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 19 Jun. 2025.
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