WITHER Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

wither

verb

ˈwi-t͟hər

Definition of wither

as in to dry

to lose liveliness, force, or freshness shortly after the moon landing, interest in the space program withered the old man seemed to wither suddenly upon turning 80

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor if he's left on his own, he'll just wither and die

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of wither Continue reading … UNHEARD TRUTH — Princess Diana feared Prince Harry would ‘wither’ in Prince William’s shadow. — FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Planting bulbs below deciduous trees or shrubs that develop their foliage after the bulbs have bloomed and the foliage has withered and disintegrated is fine, as the bulbs still get dappled sunlight. — Nadia Hassani, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2026 The legislation would also limit the length of licensing terms, reviving secondary markets that have largely withered away. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 His astute stand-up and withering, spot-on insights into race, relationships and celebrity have influenced countless comedians and writers. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wither

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wither

Verb

But like the Slip, when the tide recedes and the bar is cleaned and dried, business continues as usual.

— Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
That handwash sink didn’t have soap or any way to dry your dripping hands.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of dry

Verb

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio campaigned on ending the rides on day one of his administration but the effort wilted amid a backlash from unions and a big media blitz involving actor Liam Neeson.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
There are years of desire, wilting in silence, or the frenzied rhythm of regret.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of wilt

Verb

The regime remains capable of suppressing any organized resistance in the country, but the growing disaffection of the elite threatens to weaken the state from within.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Eisenkot's allies could also try to reverse legislation advanced by Netanyahu's government that critics say weakened Israel's democratic institutions and judicial independence.

— Itay Stern, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Mount Fuji’s hiking trails, Niseko’s ski slopes, and Nara’s deer park all began to sag under the weight of overtourism.

— Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
Aside from obvious fixes like leaking ceilings and sagging floors, the layout, which was chopped up into a warren of tight quarters, needed a full gut to allow the space to breathe and gain more light.

— Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of sag

Verb

All but 10% of those funds would go towards bolstering the state’s healthcare system.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
His tariffs and, in particular, go-it-alone war with Iran stoked inflation and sent the cost of gas, diesel, groceries and fertilizer soaring.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of go

Verb

Resolution allows regulators to transfer a failing bank's deposits to other institutions before liquidating its remaining assets.

— EMILIO SANABRIA, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
If power fails or core temperatures rise, the system shuts down and the liquid fuel salt drains by gravity into passive dump tanks without operator action.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026