A Reduce Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

Learning any language entails learning a lot of synonyms and antonyms so that you can clearly communicate without issues.

If you’re writing a piece, it’s important to know the proper words to employ so that the work isn’t full of repetitions. Using similar terms instead of the same word makes your writing more readable and understandable.

So, here’s a reduce synonym guide to get you familiarized with the similar and opposite words and their meanings.

The Definition of Reduce

‘Reduce’ means to decrease, contract, or minimize something. It also means to bring something down to a smaller size or number. The term can also refer to someone or something being lessened to an unfavorable condition or situation.

Based on the dictionary, ‘reduce’ functions mainly as a verb, and the noun form is ‘reduction.’

Example Sentences:

• We won’t see a profit unless we reduce costs.
• We need to reduce our plastic usage to help the environment.
• She was reduced to tears.
• Reduce the amount of liquid in the soup.
• Is there any way to reduce the production cost a bit?

Reduce Synonym — Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

Lessen

The term comes from the adjective ‘less,’ derived from the Old English lǣssa and Old Frisian lēssa with Germanic origins. The literal meaning of the word is ‘diminish.’ It also refers to something shrinking in size or reducing in degree.

• Regular exercise lessens the risk of diseases in old age.
• She was given medication to lessen her pain.

Decrease

‘Decrease’ originates from the Old French verb decreistre. The word ‘decrease’ means something reducing by a sizeable amount. It also refers to a decline in size usually characterized by statistics.

• There was a huge decrease in profits last term.
• The population of the area decreased significantly after the accident.

Lower

It originates from the Old Norse lágr. The term can have multiple meanings. It can be used to denote a low position, to let down or descend.

• He was lowered into his grave after the ceremony.
• He was lower in the hierarchy compared to his colleagues.

Cut

The origins of the word ‘cut’ are relatively unknown, although some say it comes from Middle English. In the general sense, the term ‘cut’ refers to divisions made in something, usually with a sharp object. However, cutting something out can also mean reducing the size or effect of that object.

• He was cut from the movie after he messed up too many scenes.
• Please cut the cheese to the size of a cube.

Diminish

The word ‘diminish’ comes from a blend of multiple languages, including the archaic minish, meaning “diminish,” and obsolete diminue, meaning “speak disparagingly.” The term also means to decrease in value or importance.

• His strength is diminishing as the days pass.
• The profits were diminished by the overwhelming expenses that came with the pandemic.

Reduce Antonyms — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

Increase

It originates from the Latin increscere, where ‘in’ means “into,” and crescere means “grow.” The meaning of the term is to become greater in size, degree, or intensity.

• I want to increase the size of my backyard.
• The rate of infection has increased almost tenfold in the span of a few months.

Enlarge

‘Enlarge’ originates from the Old French enlarger, where ‘en’ means “expressing a change of state.” To enlarge means to make something bigger or expand it.

• I have a plan to enlarge the office space.
• I will have the old photograph enlarged, printed, and framed.

Expand

‘Expand’ comes from the Latin expandere, which means “to spread out.” The term means to make something larger or more widespread.

• We are planning to expand the business.
• Could you please expand the topic range?

Grow

‘Grow’ originates from the Old English grōwan, which generally referred to the growth of plants. The term ‘grow’ can also express a natural development of living beings or the growth of assets or profits over time.

• Our income grew to more than three times the original.
• She will grow up into an intelligent and graceful woman.

Lengthen

‘Lengthen’ means to make something longer. It can also refer to a prolonging or increase of length.

• She lengthened her hair using extensions.
• Is it possible to lengthen the skirt a bit?

To Wrap Up

This reduce synonym guide is a quick overview of the similar and opposite terms related to ‘reduce.’ We provided words with the closest meaning along with plenty of examples to learn the correct usage of the terms.

With this information, you can improve your writing skills and brush up on your vocabulary at the same. And there’s always a Thesaurus to help you learn and explore more synonyms as you write.