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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And with Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon—considered the four major hyperscalers—projected to spend an eye-watering $700 billion on AI build-outs in 2026, these prices are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026 -
Some teachers might use carts for a year or two instead of having their own classroom, but the district’s demographic study shows enrollment will continue to decrease, so that problem will go away.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In addition, the measure would have significant negative economic impact on the Northern Colorado region, potentially diminish cherished and time-honored campus traditions, and erode the public safety infrastructure the campus has put in place to support students and the broader community.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Facial hair prevents the mask from properly sealing to your face, diminishing its guarantee of protection.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The logic behind this is that supermassive black hole binaries, which spiral together to lead to collisions and mergers, emit gravitational waves of increasing frequency as their orbits shrink, creating a background hum of gravitational waves.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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Longer term labor force challenges will be found, particularly the shrinking 16-to 24-year-old population, according to the report.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Those disorders continue to overwhelm providers years after other pandemic-era mental health crises have ebbed.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Still, those earnings gains mean the broad market’s valuation has ebbed since October.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The driver and bicyclist declined to be transported to the hospital, according to officials.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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The sheriff declined to answer several questions, including one from a reporter who asked if there was a ransom demanded.—
Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another option patients may pursue is to slowly taper off the drugs over about three to six months and to focus on reinforcing lifestyle choices that support goals for overall health and weight maintenance.—
Amy J. Sheer,
The Conversation,
5 Feb. 2026
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Opponents start the race with a massive acceleration buff relative to the player that seems to taper off over the course of the session.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
4 Feb. 2026
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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 15 Feb. 2026.
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