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decrease

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decrease differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decrease are abate, diminish, dwindle, lessen, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

When would abate be a good substitute for decrease?

The meanings of abate and decrease largely overlap; however, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When could diminish be used to replace decrease?

While the synonyms diminish and decrease are close in meaning, diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

When can dwindle be used instead of decrease?

Although the words dwindle and decrease have much in common, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

When is it sensible to use lessen instead of decrease?

The words lessen and decrease can be used in similar contexts, but lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When might reduce be a better fit than decrease?

While in some cases nearly identical to decrease, reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of decrease
Verb
In the limited series category, supporting actor and actress entries decreased to 124 and 105 (from 161 and 137, respectively, last year). Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 June 2025 The result is almost 20 percent less fuel consumption, 10 percent more power, lower carbon emissions, decreased noise levels in the cabin, and a safer, simpler pilot experience thanks to its full-authority digital engine-control technology. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
Noun
In addition to seeing a decrease in net sales, the company also saw a decrease in gross profit margin from 41.3% to 38.1%. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 11 June 2025 New York, Rhode Island, Maryland and Massachusetts also saw a decrease. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for decrease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
Verb
  • Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
  • Yerevan has since sought to diversify its defense sources, reducing arms imports from Russia to as low as 10 percent by 2024.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • The answer lies in reframing identity governance as a foundational layer for risk reduction.
    Leslie Milne, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • This reduction in fuel consumption translates to lower operating costs and a significant decrease in carbon emissions.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Yet, the excitement quickly subsided—shares fell 1.18% in after-hours trading to $178.84 following a mixed Q1 earnings report that exceeded EPS expectations but fell short on sales forecasts.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The rain had stopped and much of the floodwater was subsiding.
    Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Some of the nation’s leading tourist destinations, including Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles, are bracing for how the decline will impact businesses that rely on spending from international travelers.
    Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Russell Reynolds' Global CEO Turnover Index reports that the average CEO tenure dropped from 8.1 years in Q1 2024 to 6.8 years in Q1 2025, marking the sharpest decline in recent years.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Americans celebrate Flag Day, which falls on Saturday, June 14, in many ways, including parades, ceremonies and educational events designed to encourage respect for the flag and its significance.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 15 June 2025
  • Wolfe's consistent buyback basket screens for companies that have such a track record of stock repurchases that their share counts have fallen for at least 10 straight years.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • This year’s increase would compare with a 0.4% rise in 2024 following drops of 7% and nearly 15% in 2023 and 2022, respectively, from inflated prices during the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • Start with adding a few drops to a quart of water and test it out on a couple of leaves.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Higher oil prices from the Middle East conflict likely further reduce the odds the Fed will ease monetary policy anytime soon.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 June 2025
  • In a new study, two therapies eased pain and reduced opioid use in people with chronic low back pain.
    Kristen Fischer, Health, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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