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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Example Sentences
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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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Some research has linked magnesium to decreased depression and anxiety, both of which can affect sleep.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
20 Feb. 2026
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The deliberate, repetitive action is found to help lower blood pressure, decrease symptoms of depression and even protect aging brains from cognitive decline.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pielmeier expects the conditions to subside in much of Switzerland over the course of next week, once the new snow has stabilized, except in the south of the country where less snow has fallen.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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While tensions over Greenland have subsided for now, the infighting has seriously undercut the ability of the world’s biggest security alliance to deter adversaries.—
Sam McNeil,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Work remained consistent even if the projects diminished in prestige and quality.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Feb. 2026
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Left unaddressed, a voter in Maryland who prefers a House majority willing to check the power of the White House will have their vote diminished by what Republicans are doing elsewhere in the country.—
Eric H. Holder Jr,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His message to insurers is that his company can save costs in an overwhelmed health care system by identifying early whose anxieties can be eased with an app and who needs professional help.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Whether the amnesty ultimately eases tensions or deepens divisions may depend on how broadly it is applied — and whether excluded prisoners eventually receive relief.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Not Carolyn, who shrinks even from Calvin’s attempt to document her elegant outfit — John’s button-down shirt tucked into a black skirt, a CBK classic — with a Polaroid.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
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The researchers measured shrinking in that stretch of more than one meter per year.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cassia County Sheriff Jarrod Thompson’s office declined to comment Thursday and directed the Statesman back to Larsen.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
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Durant declined to address the allegation directly on Wednesday.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Tigers, particularly Mark Mitchell, put in a strong effort but fell short in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in a 94-86 loss.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
22 Feb. 2026
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Pielmeier expects the conditions to subside in much of Switzerland over the course of next week, once the new snow has stabilized, except in the south of the country where less snow has fallen.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taper. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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