taper off

verb

tapered off; tapering off; tapers off
Synonyms of taper offnext
: taper
housing starts tapered off in the fall

Examples of taper off in a Sentence

at this time of the year, light begins to taper off a little earlier each day
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.
After the strongest storms move out, colder air will settle in with the possibility of a few wet snowflakes before the precipitation tapers off. Gregory Padgett, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026 The sharp tanginess of the vinegar tapers off when cooked, lending subtle brightness to dishes. Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026 The analysis showed bacterial diversity recovered the fastest in the first two years after people took antibiotics; the rate of recovery tapered off after that point. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026 The storm will make travel in the foothills and mountains difficult on Friday before tapering off Friday night. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taper off

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taper off was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Taper off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taper%20off. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

taper off

verb
: to stop or lessen gradually

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