ratio

1 of 2

noun

plural ratios
Synonyms of rationext
1
a
: the indicated quotient of two mathematical expressions
b
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things : proportion
2
: the expression of the relative values of gold and silver as determined by a country's currency laws

ratio

2 of 2

verb

ratioed; ratioing; ratios

transitive verb

: to give considerably more negative than positive responses or reactions to (a social media post, user, etc.)
… users have ratioed the U.S. president, with many expressing disappointment and anger.Amanda Yeo
On Twitter, Variety's review got ratioed for a headline calling First Kill a "tired take" on "teen lesbian vampires," with folks piling on to rightfully call out the irony of labeling one of the only TV shows centered on a young lesbian love story "tired."Jess Joho
also : to respond to or comment on (another post, user, etc. on social media) and receive considerably more positive responses or reactions than the original post, user, etc.
Thomas' tweet ratioed the White Sox with over 2,000 likes and 218 retweets compared to 264 likes and 88 retweets on the original post … Andrés Soto

Synonyms of ratio

Examples of ratio in a Sentence

Noun What is the length-to-width ratio? the ratio of students to teachers in the school is nine to one
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.
Noun
The final drive ratio is shorter for 2027 to improve throttle response, and Chevy also claims improved aero performance, while opting for the new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 as a stock tire. Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026 Bioaccumulation factor is the ratio of the concentration of a contaminant in an organism to its concentration in the surrounding environment, accounting for all potential exposure routes. Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 Timely application of a lawn fertilizer with the N-P-K ratio indicated by the soil test will supply ample nitrogen. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026 Theoretically, Newcastle had decent capacity to bring in a forward from both a Premier League squad cost ratio (SCR) and a UEFA financial rules perspective. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ratio

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, computation, reason — more at reason entry 1

Verb

derivative of ratio entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 2017, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ratio was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ratio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratio. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

ratio

noun
plural ratios
1
: the quotient of two numbers or mathematical expressions
the ratio of 6 to 3 may be expressed as 6:3, ⁶⁄₃, and 2
2
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things
women outnumbered men in the ratio of three to one

Medical Definition

plural ratios
: the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things see sex ratio

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