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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Or that mining companies, which regularly extract water from lakes, rivers, and other reservoirs to support their operations, have experienced double-digit percent decreases in productivity as a result of depleted water sources in areas prone to drought.—
Mindy Lubber,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026 -
One small study from 2021 in Frontiers in Neurology showed that 30 minutes of blue light exposure helped the left and right sides of the brain communicate better, which decreased negative mood and improved overall cognitive function.—
Petra Guglielmetti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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These can include teams shrinking to 3-a-side – called 3Play – long-range goals counting as double, or goalkeepers being unable to use their hands, among others.—
Emile Nuh,
CNN Money,
22 May 2026
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What 'regime change' might entail While Warsh has spoken in broad strokes about shrinking the Fed's footprint, Wall Street already is gaming out what a new operating framework could look like.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
Verb
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While interest in stakeholder capitalism ebbed amid an ESG backlash and other issues, moral leadership has become increasingly important in an atmosphere of growing distrust, dishonesty, and divisiveness.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
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By the end of the year, the epidemic in Chihuahua state finally ebbed.—
Mary Beth Sheridan,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
Verb
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McGrail says Janet declined and put an end to the evening.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
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Schoenbrun’s third feature, Teenage Sex & Death at Camp Miasma stars Einbinder as an enthusiastic young director who is tasked with resurrecting the Camp Miasma slasher franchise after years of subpar sequels and declining fandom.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Their 3-point shooting quickly tapered off for the remainder of the game.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
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The rain will gradually taper off midday Monday, followed by clearing and cooler weather Monday evening into Tuesday.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
9 May 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 23 May. 2026.
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