attenuate 1 of 2

Definition of attenuatenext

attenuate

2 of 2

adjective

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 attenuate
Verb
During these years, some vaccines used an inactive virus, which was not as effective as the current vaccine, which is a live, attenuated (weakened) type. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Feb. 2026 As Science Alert points out, light also attenuates and degrades over long distances. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025 China will be their biggest source of external influence but not by a huge margin, and many other countries, including the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, will attenuate Beijing’s sway. Susannah Patton, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025 But while the first four episodes were well-plotted and sure-footed — building up to episode five’s ambitious Alien remix — the final three have been relatively attenuated. Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attenuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attenuate
Verb
  • In the kitchen, ingredients are sourced locally to reduce carbon footprint and maintain freshness.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Albert Sabin and Koprowski were both — separately — trying to develop oral polio vaccines using live attenuated or weakened viruses.
    Helen Branswell, STAT, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Dust icily exposes how character can evaporate in the crucible of greed, but the plodding pace makes this ethical exercise feel attenuated and flat by the time the climax rolls around.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • People really appreciate not only the deeper cuts, but the songs that have a linear story.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
  • While much of those streaming sales were non-sports commitments, the flow of ad dollars away from linear TV will accelerate as the primetime entertainment properties continue to sag under the weight of their cultural irrelevancy.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The stems also hold elongated leaves somewhat reminiscent of Solomon’s seal.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Leather and crisp taffeta created structural pieces, while classic jersey added draping to the androgynous and elongated silhouettes that were rendered in Lempicka’s cool color hues, from warm grey and white to mint green and pale pink.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Attenuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attenuate. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster