reduction
7 synonyms and 7 antonyms for reduction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of making something smaller, or the amount by which it has been decreased.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use reduction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin reductio, drawn from the same root as reduce.
Full origin of reduction →Frequently asked questions
What does “reduction” mean?
The word “reduction” means the act of making something smaller, or the amount by which it has been decreased. In plain terms, a decrease, or the process of making something smaller — including a cooking technique and a medical procedure.
How do you pronounce “reduction”?
“Reduction” is pronounced rih-DUHK-shuhn (/ɹɪˈdʌk.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “reduction” in a sentence?
Here is “reduction” used in a sentence: “The store announced a 20% reduction on all winter coats.”
What is another word for “reduction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reduction” include lessening.
What is the opposite of “reduction”?
The opposite of “reduction” — its antonyms — are elevation, expansion, promotion, increase and addition.
What part of speech is “reduction”?
“Reduction” is a noun.
Where does the word “reduction” come from?
The word “reduction” comes from Latin. From Latin reductio, drawn from the same root as reduce.
Is “reduction” a common word?
“Reduction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a reduction and a discount?
A discount is specifically a reduction in price, usually offered to encourage a purchase. Reduction is the broader term for any act of making something smaller, or the amount by which it has decreased, so it can apply to size, weight, staff numbers, noise levels, or costs. Every discount is a reduction, but not every reduction is a discount.
What is the difference between reduction and deduction?
A reduction is the act of making something smaller or the amount by which it has been decreased, such as a reduction in traffic. A deduction is an amount subtracted from a total, especially from pay or a tax bill, or a conclusion reached by reasoning. Use reduction for shrinking in general and deduction for subtracting from a figure or drawing a logical conclusion.
Is it "reduction in" or "reduction of"?
Use "reduction in" before the thing that gets smaller, as in "a reduction in crime" or "a reduction in price." Use "reduction of" most naturally before the amount of the decrease, as in "a reduction of 20 percent." Both patterns are grammatical, but this division reflects the most common usage.