reduction

noun

re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce reduction (audio)
plural reductions
Synonyms of reductionnext
1
: the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced
2
a
: something made by reducing
b
: the amount by which something is reduced
3
[Spanish reducción, from Latin reduction-, reductio] : a South American Indigenous settlement directed by Jesuit missionaries
4
: meiosis sense 2
specifically : production of the gametic chromosome number in the first meiotic division
reductional
ri-ˈdək-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce reduction (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of reduction

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Examples of reduction in a Sentence

a drastic reduction in size Many voters want to see some reduction of the deficit. There is a 20 percent reduction on selected items during this sale.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The research fellow also argued that the additional Russian diesel entering global markets is not sufficient to produce a noticeable reduction in consumer fuel prices in the short term. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 Long overdue improvements to the debt restructuring process remain crucially important for the handful of countries that need debt stock reduction. — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Yet their willingness to talk, listen, and imagine what had seemed impossible helped lay the groundwork for historic nuclear arms reductions. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Beere credited the reductions in part to the department's Ceasefire strategy, which focuses on preventing violence, and stronger partnerships with community members. — Da Lin, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reduction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reduccion restoration, from Middle French reducion, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin reduction-, reductio reduction (in a syllogism), from Latin, restoration, from reducere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reduction was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing reduction

Rhymes for reduction

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Browse Nearby Words

reductio ad absurdum
reduction
reductional
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Cite this Entry

“Reduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reduction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reduction

noun
re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce reduction (audio)
1
: the act or process of reducing : the state of being reduced
2
a
: something made by reducing
b
: the amount by which something is reduced in price
3
: meiosis
especially : halving of the chromosome number in the reduction division
reductive
-ˈdək-tiv
adjective

Medical Definition

reduction

noun
re·​duc·​tion ri-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce reduction (audio)
1
: the replacement or realignment of a body part in normal position or restoration of a bodily condition to normal
2
: the process of reducing by chemical or electrochemical means
3
: the psychological diminishment of emotion or needs through activity or adjustment
4
: meiosis
specifically : production of the gametic chromosome number in the first meiotic division

More from Merriam-Webster on reduction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reduction

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