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Definitions

decrease

[dih-krees, dee-krees, dih-krees] / dɪˈkris, ˈdi kris, dɪˈkris /
NOUN
diminishing, lessening
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contraction cutback decline discount downturn loss reduction shrinkage
STRONG
abatement compression condensation constriction declining depression diminution dwindling ebb markdown subsidence waning
WEAK
decrescence falling-off striction
Antonyms
STRONGEST
enlargement increase rise
STRONG
markup
WEAK
addition development expansion growth raise
VERB
grow less or make less
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate curb curtail cut down decline depreciate deteriorate diminish drop drop off dwindle ease ebb fall off lessen lower reduce shrink sink slacken slash slump soften subside wane weaken
STRONG
check contract crumble decay degenerate devaluate droop evaporate fade lighten modify quell quiet restrain settle shrivel waste wither
WEAK
calm down die down dry up let up lose edge narrow down peter out run low slack off slow down tail off wear away wear down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ascend compliment develop enlarge expand extend go up grow improve increase irritate laud lengthen praise prolong raise rise strengthen
STRONG
build liberate upset
WEAK
add

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Merck was the largest contributor to the decrease in expected earnings for this sector since Dec. 31, according to FactSet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The most commonly reported side effect was a decrease in neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

There was a slight decrease in 2023 with 124 cases, but the number picked back up in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

General Motors sold about 26,000 electric vehicles in the first quarter, a 19% decrease from a year ago and flat with the prior quarter.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

We had all hoped that as negotiations got under way, violence would decrease.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.