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 Her essay is the quintessential death by a thousand withering cuts that is a noxious hallmark of academia. — ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026 But like Miranda, Erika, brought to vibrant life by Olivia Wilde, has a withering glare, a commanding presence and killer timing. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 Here’s how often to water your shrubs during a heat wave to keep them from withering. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 Without the original staffers, though, its X pages have withered with few engagements on most posts. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wither

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wither

Verb

That means my greasy microfiber cloths do get washed with my cotton drying towels, along with oven mitts, linen napkins, and the seat pads for my counter stools (my kids somehow manage to trash them every week).

— Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
Once your produce is fully dried, store it in an airtight container so moisture cannot creep back in.

— Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of dry

Verb

Starring Zhou Xun, Wang Xiao and Tian Zhuangzhuang, the film revolves around a middle-aged former TV host whose memory starts to slowly fade, forcing her to confront the fractures within her family and the choices that shaped her life.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
But workers who are rusting out still report to their shifts and perform, although with a fading sense of purpose.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of fade

Verb

However, consuming large amounts—such as those used in studies where up to 1/2 cup was consumed daily—can start to weaken and damage tooth enamel.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
Apple’s market dominance is built around September; moving away from tradition would upset the ecosystem supporting the launch and risk weakening the iPhone’s dominant position.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

The Sparks outscored the Valkyries 31-20 in the fourth quarter as Golden State’s shooting went cold, but a couple of late clutch shots won the game after a 19-point lead was cut to one.

— Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
His attempt comes a year after a driver going 283 mph (455 kph) died trying to set a land speed record at Bonneville's annual Speed Week.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of go

Verb

But in almost every case, Spurs failed to sell at the right time.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
The Minnesota United midfielder failed on two penalty kicks in a draw with UANL Tigres on Friday, but the Argentine totaled two goals and an assist in a 3-1 win over Atlante in the third and final Leagues Cup match Tuesday at Allianz Field.

— Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026