Verbs for Decreases in Quantity or Size

to diminish in quantity or size over time

The water level in the reservoir began to dwindle during the dry season.

to completely disappear or cease to exist

Some endangered species are at risk of dying out due to habitat loss.

to gradually fade in color or quality over time due to constant use or other factors

After a while, the paint on the playground equipment began to wear off.

to gradually lose intensity or strength

The excitement among the crowd began to fall away as the event dragged on.

having a limited distance between opposite sides

The narrow path wound its way through the dense forest, barely wide enough for one person to pass.

to decrease the number of possibilities or choices

Have you narrowed down your preferences for the upcoming event?

to decrease the length of something

The tailor shortened the trousers to fit the customer's height.

to become smaller in extent, size, or range

Stress levels often lessen with regular exercise and relaxation.

to become less in amount, size, or degree

The temperature is decreasing as we move into the cooler season.

to make something smaller in amount, degree, price, etc.

The company decided to reduce the prices of its products to attract more customers.

to reduce something to the lowest possible degree or amount, particularly something unpleasant

She tries to minimize stress by practicing mindfulness techniques.

to become less in size or width, creating a sensation of tightness

His chest constricts when he experiences high levels of anxiety.

to decrease something such as size or cost, to make it more efficient, economical, or manageable

Faced with financial challenges, the company had to cut back on its workforce.

to decrease the number or density of something

She thinned the flower bed out, removing some plants to create a more balanced garden.

to place limits or boundaries on something to reduce its scope or size

Rising costs have led many companies to curtail benefits and perks for employees in recent years.

to gradually weaken or worsen in condition or performance

His health began to decline after he stopped following his doctor's recommendations for exercise and diet.

(of human activities or natural forces) to gradually break down rocks, mountains, hills, etc.

The constant freeze and thaw cycles degrade the rock faces.

an official agreement between two or more sides that states what each of them has to do

They signed a contract to buy the house, outlining the terms of the sale.

(of clothes or fabric) to become smaller when washed with hot water

Be cautious with the new sweater; it tends to shrink in hot water.

to reduce the value or amount of something

Economic uncertainties often deflate consumer confidence.

to decrease in degree, size, etc.

The effects of the medication gradually diminish over time.

to dry up or shrink, typically due to a loss of moisture

Without regular watering, plants in the garden tend to wither.

to become smaller in size, amount, or number over time

By the end of the year, the energy consumption will have tapered due to the installation of energy-efficient systems.

to quickly move from a higher place toward the ground

Be careful not to slip and fall on the wet floor.

to let or make something fall to the ground

Supplies are being dropped for the refugees.

to reduce the size, amount, or number of something

The team decided to decrement the budget for the upcoming project.

to carve or shape small pieces from a material, usually wood, using a knife or similar tool

The grandfather whittled a small figurine from a block of wood.