Another Word for Decrease: 15 Synonyms with Examples
To decrease is to become or make smaller in amount or degree. Other words can show whether the drop was sudden, gradual or deliberate.
As a verb: become smaller
- fall
- drop
- decline
- diminish
- shrink
- dwindle
- go down
As a verb: make smaller
- reduce
- lower
- cut
- lessen
- curb
- scale back
As a noun: a fall in amount
- fall
- drop
- decline
- reduction
- cut
- downturn
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- fall
- Neutral and very common for figures, prices and numbers.
- decline
- A steady, often worrying fall over time.
- dwindle
- Gradually decreases until little is left.
- reduce
- Someone deliberately makes something smaller.
- cut
- A deliberate and often sharp reduction, especially in spending.
- diminish
- Formal; often used for importance, influence or effect.
Example sentences
- fall: Attendance fell sharply during the rail strike.
- decline: Bird numbers on the estuary have declined for ten years.
- dwindle: By the final week, our supplies had dwindled to a few tins.
- reduce: Switching suppliers reduced our energy bill by a fifth.
- cut: The council cut funding for evening classes.
- diminish: His later work did nothing to diminish his reputation.
Opposite of decrease
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “decrease”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: lessening, diminution
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “decrease”?
The most useful alternatives are “fall”, “drop”, “decline”, “diminish”, “shrink”. For the main sense (become smaller), “fall” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “fall” and “decline”?
fall: Neutral and very common for figures, prices and numbers. decline: A steady, often worrying fall over time.
What is the opposite of “decrease”?
Common antonyms are “increase”, “rise”, “grow”, “expand”.