as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
the company downsized its overseas operations in an attempt to cut costs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 downsize
Critics contend the industry plunders distressed companies, leading to downsizing and cost-cutting that hurts local communities, though other research has pushed back on that reputation.
—
Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
This year, my wife and I decided to downsize from two cars and purchase a new-to-us used Subaru (of course) for our growing family.
—Erica Zazo, Outside, 27 Mar. 2026
For the first time in two decades, Moroney of Tombstone made the tough call to downsize his livestock.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Pecan Square is a great fit for homebuyers at almost every stage of life and is seeing residents upsize and downsize within the community, said Kim Comiskey, vice president at Hillwood Communities and project manager of Pecan Square.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downsize
Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
This year, my wife and I decided to downsize from two cars and purchase a new-to-us used Subaru (of course) for our growing family.
—Erica Zazo, Outside, 27 Mar. 2026
For the first time in two decades, Moroney of Tombstone made the tough call to downsize his livestock.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Pecan Square is a great fit for homebuyers at almost every stage of life and is seeing residents upsize and downsize within the community, said Kim Comiskey, vice president at Hillwood Communities and project manager of Pecan Square.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downsize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downsize
Verb
-
Protective styles like low buns or braids can also reduce frizz throughout the day.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In her tenure, Colorado has taken major steps to increase price transparency, reduce hospital and prescription drug costs, and hold the health care industry accountable.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Apr. 2026
-
As the war in Iran rages on, both rising oil prices and consumers’ decreasing desire to jet-set in uncertain times hang like a dark cloud over the industry, threatening to upend air travel across the world.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downsize. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
