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
-
Unlike widening, which decreases the cost of driving and thus causes demand to rebound, congestion pricing regulates the cost of driving in a particular area or lane to tamp down on traffic, Burris explains.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
25 Feb. 2025 -
For its most recent financial results for the third quarter of 2024, net sales decreased 3.6 percent to $119.1 million over the quarter.—
James Manso,
WWD,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The absence of Ayo Dosunmu — who is dealing with shoulder discomfort from a long-term injury — further diminished the Bulls roster.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Suitable for all skin types, the face oil hydrates while improving elasticity and diminishing the appearance of fine lines.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Ethan Hawke, Linklater’s friend and frequent collaborator, somehow manages to shrink himself to fit the agitated, alcoholic, short and desperate Hart, now 47, discarded by his former creative partner and knowingly washed up.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
-
With consumers’ homes as collateral, the company’s cards offer a lower interest rate than on normal, unsecured credit cards, while its data and tech shrink the normal HELOC approval time.—
Jeff Kauflin,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Aquifers in Chula Vista (in San Diego County), Santa Ana (Orange County) and Santa Clara (Bay Area) were seen to ebb and swell with periods, respectively, of drought and precipitation.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
13 Feb. 2025
-
Recent positive results against Liverpool, Arsenal and Southampton indicate that a work rate has returned to United — one that had largely ebbed away in the final weeks of Erik ten Hag’s tenure.—
Carl Anka,
The Athletic,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Another recent poll shows declining confidence, specifically in Republican individuals, in health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
18 Feb. 2025
-
But the declining value of the beloved buck makes the math easier.—
Barry Scott Zellen,
Hartford Courant,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Wednesday: Snow tapering off by midday, high near 17.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
12 Feb. 2025
-
This snow tapers off during the early morning hours, but there still could be a few lingering snow showers around daybreak Sunday.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
8 Feb. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ratchet (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ratchet%20%28down%29. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share