Another word for reduce
Reduce (verb): to make something smaller, less, or lower, or to become smaller, less, or lower. Below are 20 synonyms across 3 senses. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
Most formal: diminish, alleviate, mitigateStrongest: slash, drive down, decrease
20 synonyms shown
Make smaller · verb
make an amount, size, or degree less
Make weaker · verb
make a feeling, effect, or problem less strong
Bring down · verb
lower someone or something to a lower level or condition
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- decrease — standard neutral term for making less
- lower — used especially for prices, levels, and rates
- lessen — often suggests easing an undesired amount
The dashed ring marks “reduce” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for reduce in your sentence
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How to choose
Choose the synonym that matches both degree and register: reduce is the safest general verb, while cut, trim, and lower sound more concrete and everyday. For formal writing, mitigate and alleviate are often better when you mean reducing harm, not just quantity.
Antonyms of reduce
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| decrease | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| lessen | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| cut | 3/5 | casual | business, casual |
| diminish | 2/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| trim | 2/5 | casual | business, casual |
| lower | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| shrink | 3/5 | casual | business, casual |
| pare down | 2/5 | neutral | business, creative |
| dampen | 2/5 | neutral | business, creative, academic |
| ease | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| alleviate | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| mitigate | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| dull | 2/5 | casual | creative, casual |
| temper | 2/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| bring down | 3/5 | casual | business, casual |
| drive down | 4/5 | neutral | business |
| push down | 3/5 | casual | business, casual |
| slash | 5/5 | casual | business, casual |
| curb | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| scale back | 2/5 | neutral | business, casual |
Questions about synonyms for reduce
What is the most formal or academic synonym for reduce?
Mitigate is often the most formal choice when you mean making a problem, risk, or harm less severe. In academic and business writing, alleviate is also common, especially for pain, stress, or hardship.
What is a stronger or milder synonym for reduce?
Slash is much stronger than reduce and suggests a large, often sudden cut. Milder options include trim, lessen, or ease, which imply a smaller or gentler reduction.
When should I use decrease instead of reduce?
Decrease is usually the best neutral substitute when you want a plain, standard verb for making something smaller in amount, number, or intensity. Reduce is slightly more versatile because it also works well with harm, risk, pressure, and waste.