as in evaporates
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 shrivels
Drought shrivels the grapes; excessive heat deprives the juice of acidity; too much rain results in rampant mold.
—
Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrivels
Verb
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When processes break down—whether because billionaires operate above the law, presidents govern by fiat, or monopolies crush competition—that belief evaporates.—
Anthony Scaramucci,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
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The detection is particularly remarkable because carbon dioxide ice evaporates more easily than water ice.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There’s a queerness to Mantello’s vision, including a blurring of gender associations that begins with its leads and radiates throughout, that ultimately drains the drama of its potency.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
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Make sure the water from dehumidifiers and air conditioners drains somewhere that easily dries up.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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With its PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, the ink dries quickly to avoid smudging, while the two-sided printing capabilities increase efficiency.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
28 Mar. 2026
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Analysts have observed that Moscow has been building up reserves and its operations are expected to gain tempo as the spring warmth dries the terrain.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As the castle’s internal order collapses under the weight of a string of baffling crimes, Araki strikes a fragile alliance with Kuroda Kanbei – a razor-minded captive languishing in his own dungeon – in a race to root out a traitor before Oda’s army closes in.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Apr. 2026
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At the elementary level, the figure collapses to 11%.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tucson will also be at or near record temperatures through March 27 as the state’s unprecedented heat wave scorches on, the weather service said.—
Ray Stern,
AZCentral.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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As the world around them scorches under record heat, a family walks into the woods, asking what the future holds in this thermal dystopia.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sunshine fades quickly on Friday due to increasing clouds in the afternoon.—
Nelly Carreno,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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This moment is not the end, but a reminder that love endures, truth prevails, and hope never fades, because even in the darkest moments, justice will find its way.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrivels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrivels. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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