decrease
Become less than
Decrease means to become smaller in size, amount, or degree, or to make something smaller.
A population decreases, prices decrease, pain decreases.
The noun refers to the reduction itself: a decrease in crime, a sharp decrease in enrollment.
Decrease is the straightforward opposite of increase, applicable to nearly anything measurable.
To make smaller
- lessenReduce in degree
- reduceMake smaller in degree
- lowerReduce or move downward
- minimizeReduce to smallest extent
drop · decline · dip · fall · deplete · curtail · pare · cut
Decrease in size
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- compressReduce volume by force
- condenseMake more compact
- constrictTo squeeze tightly
shrivel · wither · deflate · compact · crumple · telescope · squeeze · atrophy
Lose value over time
- devalueReduce perceived worth
- degradeLower in standing
- cheapenDiminish in worth
- markdownReduction in retail price
discount · write-down · downgrade · debase · erode · undercut · deflate · slash
Prolonged economic decline
- downturnEconomic decline period
- slumpExtended period of decline
- contractionReduction in size
- depressionProlonged low state
slowdown · deflation · stagnation · correction · downsizing · layoffs · restructuring · retrenchment
wane
Decrease gradually
abate · fade · dwindle · ease · slacken · moderate · soften · mellow
diminish
To make smaller
minimize · drop · decline · dip · fall · deplete · curtail · pare · cut · subtract
shrink
Decrease in size
constrict · shrivel · wither · deflate · compact · crumple · telescope · squeeze · atrophy · narrow
depreciate
Lose value over time
markdown · discount · write-down · downgrade · debase · erode · undercut · deflate · slash
recession
Prolonged economic decline
- downturnEconomic decline period
- slumpExtended period of decline
- contractionReduction in size
depression · slowdown · deflation · stagnation · correction · downsizing · layoffs · restructuring · retrenchment · austerity
plummet
Rapid downward descent
nosedive · slump · collapse · freefall · tank · crater · precipitous · steep · dramatic
- cutbackscutback, cutbacks, layoff, reduction, budget cuts
- declinedecline, in decline, downswing, on the decline, diminish
- declinesdrop, decline, downtrend, downturn, downfall
- diminishingabate, diminish, dwindle, ebb, fade
- homographsalternate, bass, bow, close, compound
- price changesprice drop, price surge, price swing, markup, markdown
- decreased appetiteDiminished urge to eat
- population decreaseFalling number of inhabitants
- decreased libidoLessened sexual appetite
- decreased sleepReduced time unconscious resting