as in to evaporate
to become small and wrinkly usually as a result of dehydration
Without irrigation, these plants would shrivel (up) and die.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 shrivel
Healthy-looking buds shrivel, turn brown at the base, and fall off before opening.
—
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
Sales of photography, moving-image work, sculpture, and most conceptual work have shriveled up, except at the very highest levels.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Desert wildflowers shriveled up early this year due to the historic heat wave, leading to a lackluster sightseeing season and fewer visitors at some state parks.
—Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 27 Mar. 2026
And then emergency snacks for my kid, often shriveled up raisins all over the bottom of the bag.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
Sales of photography, moving-image work, sculpture, and most conceptual work have shriveled up, except at the very highest levels.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Desert wildflowers shriveled up early this year due to the historic heat wave, leading to a lackluster sightseeing season and fewer visitors at some state parks.
—Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 27 Mar. 2026
And then emergency snacks for my kid, often shriveled up raisins all over the bottom of the bag.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrivel
Verb
-
Consequently, Treasury yields are elevated relative to year-to-date lows and gold, despite retreating from its January peak, continues to signal that institutional safe-haven demand has not evaporated.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
-
Cook, undisturbed, moving pan around on burner every 2 minutes or so, until rice is slightly al dente and liquid is almost completely evaporated, about 5 minutes.—
José Andrés,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Mitchell did not miss a shot in the quarter, draining all three of her 3-point tries as well as a step-back jumper.—
John Davis,
Daily News,
14 May 2026
-
Even with so many suspects, Janet's brother, Francesco Caltieri, remembers hope draining away in his family's household.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Use a squeegee to remove any water remaining on the door, and dry it with a microfiber cloth.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
-
Take a dry microfiber cloth and dry the shower tiles and grout.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
In recent years, however, the vaccine program withered amid cuts in health spending, the Covid pandemic and a botched restructuring of the national medical system.—
Mary Beth Sheridan,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
-
What becomes clear is that Yesteryear is not actually the withering critique of faux-trad influencers it’s been marketed as.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The Morrill Fire — the largest wildfire in Nebraska history — scorched vast stretches of land in mid-March.—
Kailey Schuyler,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
Their luck finally ran out in the final, as they were scorched by two of the best players Asia has to offer in Yufei Long & Ting Chieh Wei, winners of the 2025 Sansan Fukuoka Open.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Game 1, when the Cavs built a 22-point lead against a rusty Knicks team before collapsing during a devastating 44-11 New York run.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2026
-
Political norms rarely collapse all at once.—
William Muck,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
While some herbs wilt as the temperatures climb, others live for it.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
-
The sometimes rough-and-tumble process of transplanting from one pot and growing location to another can cause some plants to wilt.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Shows end and fame fades, but the beef stands will stay slinging.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
-
The notion that men shouldn’t wear makeup is tired, and finally fading.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrivel. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
