decrease meaning and definition

DECREASE noun

Definition of decrease (noun)

1. a change downward
   • "there was a decrease in his temperature as the fever subsided"; "there was a sharp drop-off in sales"
   • synonyms: drop-off, lessening
   • antonym: increase
2. a process of becoming smaller or shorter
   • synonyms: decrement
   • antonym: growth
3. the amount by which something decreases
   • synonyms: decrement
   • antonym: increase
4. the act of decreasing or reducing something
   • synonyms: diminution, reduction, step-down
   • antonym: increase

DECREASE verb

Definition of decrease (verb)

1. decrease in size, extent, or range
   • "The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester"; "The cabin pressure fell dramatically"; "her weight fell to under a hundred pounds"; "his voice fell to a whisper"
   • synonyms: diminish, fall, lessen
   • antonym: increase
2. make smaller
   • "He decreased his staff"
   • synonyms: lessen, minify
   • antonym: increase