decrease 1 of 2

Definition of decreasenext
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decrease

2 of 2

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
Gross margin was unchanged in juniors’ and children’s apparel, cosmetics and men’s apparel and accessories, decreased slightly in women’s apparel and slipped moderately in home and furniture. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 May 2026 The risk for autism decreased to about 15%. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Noun
The same day a Los Angeles mayoral forum was supposed to be held comes a new poll revealing who’s in the lead, plus the sharp decrease in the share of undecided voters compared to two months earlier. Paris Barraza, USA Today, 13 May 2026 And that, the Guardians contend, has spurred dramatic decreases in some of his under-the-hood numbers. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for decrease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrease
Verb
  • Eco effort The hotel employs single-stream recycling and green housekeeping practices, and also has a green roof ecosystem to reduce the building’s heat load.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
  • New research suggests these medications, best known for managing diabetes and driving weight loss, may also reduce the severity of one of the most common and underdiagnosed sleep disorders in the country.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Page cited a combination of federal funding cuts, skyrocketing health care costs, diminishing enrollment and more behind the budget constraints, while local teachers cited local investment issues as well.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • This soot reduction could also make engines stealthier by reducing their infrared signature.
    David Szondy May 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
  • As of May 15, the stock was trading down nearly 35% from the time of its workforce reduction.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Although fighting largely subsided weeks ago, the Strait of Hormuz, remains blocked.
    Diaa Hadid, NPR, 16 May 2026
  • That skepticism never fully subsided.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, in 2023, at a time when I was exhausted from the seeming futility of constantly writing and talking about it, fascism and the decline of democracy became popular topics in the mainstream media.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • The announcement comes on the heels of the struggling burger chain reporting its fifth straight quarter of same-store sales declines and rumors of a potential take-private deal led by Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Only two were earned, but they were all deserved after Rodón fell apart in the third frame.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2026
  • Chelsea’s squad demographic falls somewhere in between but is probably closer to the former than the latter, and a football legend with his resume should not encounter the authority problems faced by owner BlueCo’s previous hires.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Daniella Segura Click the link below for the USA TODAY Network's California June primary voter guide — registration deadline, ballot drop boxes, early voting, and how to track your ballot through Election Day.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • These included shelf registration, relaxed international capital controls, eased restrictions on bank deposits, the rise of index and money market funds, lax oversight of corporate mergers and takeovers, and the creation of banking free-trade zones.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
  • The best thing policymakers can do is advance regulation that eases the burden of starting a new business.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decrease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrease. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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