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
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
Bake, tossing once or twice using tongs or a metal spatula, until the kale has shriveled and become crisp, 12 to 15 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
The industry has been shriveling for years.
—Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
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
Bake, tossing once or twice using tongs or a metal spatula, until the kale has shriveled and become crisp, 12 to 15 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
The industry has been shriveling for years.
—Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrivel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrivel
Verb
-
Cases in which Black people were scammed, robbed, or even killed evaporated in court because of the testimony law.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
If the weather is cold enough and the lakes freeze over, less snow falls because the water can't evaporate into the air.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Even seasoned travelers underestimate how quickly streaming and Bluetooth drain a phone or tablet at 35,000 feet.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Investments in controlling invasive species have led to a 75 percent reduction in the area overtaken by melaleuca, a particularly thirsty tree species introduced in the river of grass near the turn of the 20th century to help drain it.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
They’re made of the brand’s fast-drying fabric called Everlux, which wicks away moisture to prevent sweat marks and stains during even the most high-energy workouts.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Leave the mats out in the sun for several hours to dry.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Employment doldrums have affected even the state’s hallmark sectors, most obviously Southern California’s withering film and TV production industry and the Bay Area’s high technology concentration.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
For much of those eight years, Powell endured withering public criticism from the president, who named him as chair.—
Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When Liverpool and Arsenal last met, in late August, a scorching late Dominik Szoboszlai free kick saw the reigning champions strike an ominous early blow in the title race, jumping three points ahead of their London rivals.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Panthers, in turn, went 15-1 and then scorched through the playoffs before falling short in the Super Bowl against the Broncos.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The activity periodically forms a dome over the main vent, which eventually collapses, causing an eruption.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
-
McDearmond knew without Hannah's help, the criminal case against Brian would likely collapse.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Mets, meanwhile, seek front-line starting pitching after last year’s rotation struggled to provide length and wilted down the stretch.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Instead, wait until late winter or early spring, when the pink and white flowers have wilted.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For one night, under cold rain and flickering red lights, the noise faded.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Once summer flowers fade and growth stops, start cleaning up the garden.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrivel. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share