Synonyms of wilt

wilt

verb

ˈwilt 

1

as in to droop

to be limp from lack of water or vigor

the plants wilted after I forgot to water them for three whole days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• droop
• hang
• sag
• fall
• subside
• loll
• flag
• collapse
• slump
• crumple
• swag
• drop
• sink
• slouch
• yield
• cave (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stiffen
• distend
• rise
• straighten
• unbend
• uncurl

2

as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor

she had wilted a bit after walking around the hot and humid city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fade
• weaken
• sag
• go
• fail
• wither
• sink
• droop
• decay
• deteriorate
• languish
• lag
• waste (away)
• flag
• emaciate
• rot
• yield
• wear out
• break down
• degenerate
• run down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• recover
• recuperate
• rally
• rebound
• gain
• convalesce

3

as in to dry

to lose liveliness, force, or freshness

after six solid hours of painting, his energy was starting to wilt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dry
• fade
• wither
• shrivel
• wane
• diminish
• decrease
• mummify
• decline
• wizen
• lessen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• revive
• flourish
• thrive
• bloom
• freshen
• grow
• prosper
• increase
• develop
• wax
• peak
• surge
• crest

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of wilt

In only the second week of this season, the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes wilted in brutal heat in the fourth quarter at Texas, blowing a 20-point lead and losing by a single point. — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

Raheem Morris had to get creative and attacked with his undermanned defense before things wilted down the stretch. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2026

The basil has wilted, the beach towels have been stowed away, the tan has faded. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026

Cook, tossing occasionally, until bok choy is wilted, about 2 minutes. — Catherine Yoo, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026