as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
you'll find the symptoms begin tapering gradually about 24 hours after you take the medicine
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Recent Examples of taper
Elevated four feet at the highest point, the steps tapered to the ground and left enough space for the dog to retreat.
—
Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
This is the smallest decline in three years, with IATA attributing it to a more normal supply-demand balance as stronger yields of the Covid-19 pandemic and fallout continue to taper.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Most mascara brushes seem to be getting chunkier, but Lash Latex features a notably slim brush that tapers toward the tip.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 28 Jan. 2026
This Dad Jean cut is especially good, bridging the gap between relaxed and tapered with a straight-leg silhouette and non-stretch denim.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for taper
Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
This is the smallest decline in three years, with IATA attributing it to a more normal supply-demand balance as stronger yields of the Covid-19 pandemic and fallout continue to taper.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Most mascara brushes seem to be getting chunkier, but Lash Latex features a notably slim brush that tapers toward the tip.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 28 Jan. 2026
This Dad Jean cut is especially good, bridging the gap between relaxed and tapered with a straight-leg silhouette and non-stretch denim.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for taper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taper
Verb
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And with Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon—considered the four major hyperscalers—projected to spend an eye-watering $700 billion on AI build-outs in 2026, these prices are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Some teachers might use carts for a year or two instead of having their own classroom, but the district’s demographic study shows enrollment will continue to decrease, so that problem will go away.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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The heaviest fighting has subsided, but the fragile ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In addition, the measure would have significant negative economic impact on the Northern Colorado region, potentially diminish cherished and time-honored campus traditions, and erode the public safety infrastructure the campus has put in place to support students and the broader community.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Facial hair prevents the mask from properly sealing to your face, diminishing its guarantee of protection.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Inflation cooled more than expected in January, capping a week of promising economic data, easing pressure on the White House, which has faced political criticism about the economy.—
Andrew Ackerman,
Washington Post,
13 Feb. 2026
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Seasonality also plays a role, as demand typically rises during the holiday baking season and eases in January, according to trade association Eggs Unlimited.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The logic behind this is that supermassive black hole binaries, which spiral together to lead to collisions and mergers, emit gravitational waves of increasing frequency as their orbits shrink, creating a background hum of gravitational waves.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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Longer term labor force challenges will be found, particularly the shrinking 16-to 24-year-old population, according to the report.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The driver and bicyclist declined to be transported to the hospital, according to officials.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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The sheriff declined to answer several questions, including one from a reporter who asked if there was a ransom demanded.—
Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The wait time can fall anywhere between six minutes and six hours.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, as a powerhouse couple, that fall more in step with the likes of Hailey and Justin Bieber’s individual style statements than, say, Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet’s joint method dressing.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taper. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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