as in to evaporate
to become small and wrinkly usually as a result of dehydration
Without irrigation, these plants would shrivel (up) and die.
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Recent Examples of shrivel
North America has lost some 3 billion birds — nearly a third of its birdlife — since 1970, in part because places like the Colorado River Delta have shriveled under the strain of human development.
—
Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
The California Farm Bureau Federation further reported that, across the state, as many as 400k tons of grapes were left to shrivel on vines because their growers couldn’t find buyers.
—Kelli María Korducki, thehustle.co, 5 Dec. 2025
Once one of the planet’s largest saltwater lakes, Urmia has shriveled over the past decades.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025
Cook, stirring often, until the shallots begin to shrivel, crisp and turn golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
The California Farm Bureau Federation further reported that, across the state, as many as 400k tons of grapes were left to shrivel on vines because their growers couldn’t find buyers.
—Kelli María Korducki, thehustle.co, 5 Dec. 2025
Once one of the planet’s largest saltwater lakes, Urmia has shriveled over the past decades.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025
Cook, stirring often, until the shallots begin to shrivel, crisp and turn golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrivel
Verb
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When Thundering Herd guard Jalen Speer hit a 3-pointer to put them up 63-62, the Bobcats' lead had completely evaporated.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
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And once credibility erodes, proximity evaporates.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Introverts have social batteries that will drain over time, but they can be recharged with good energy hygiene.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Stop forcing yourself into formats that drain you.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His mother, Ellen, wearing a gold top and black blazer, beamed with pride, holding a yellow napkin to dry her tears.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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The family hoped jail would dry Jheck out, but neighbors snuck shabu into the facility.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Many grapes become too rotted and are left to wither away.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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His ego would wither and blow away like so many leaves in autumn.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During Tuesday's quarterfinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic - the last match played under scorching sun - the players held ice packs to their heads and portable fans to their faces during breaks in play.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Additionally, when baking at high heat (above 425°F), parchment paper could scorch or become brittle.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And after the 2008 financial crisis, a handful of institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, participated in shaping regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the overall financial system—standing in contrast to firms that collapsed or resisted new oversight.—
Anjali Chaudhry,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Years of economic and social crisis, political repression, insecurity, and collapsing institutions forced millions of Venezuelans to leave their country and rebuild their lives abroad during Nicolás Maduro’s rule.—
Jhasua Razo,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Stir in the greens until wilted.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
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Signs of Underwatering The most obvious sign of underwatering is wilting or drooping.—
Rachel Gillett,
Martha Stewart,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The designer honors his Azerbaijani heritage, working with artisans from across Azerbaijan and Georgia to create rich, unique textures, while helping to support rural communities and preserve fading artisanal skills.—
Amy O’Brien,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
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Other factors for the warmer spring include a fading La Niña, a weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that can bring cool temperatures to the United States.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrivel. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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