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
Even squid leave identifiable wounds: circular sucker marks tapering in size along the shark’s skin.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
There were little white triangles running down the reddish-brown side of its furry body, like insignia on the side of a warplane; all tapering down to a sharp end that looked like a stinger.
—Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2025
The series peaks at 119,000 notes in January 2025 before tapering to 56,000 notes in May.
—Joe Murphy, NBC news, 6 June 2025
Billy Joel knows life isn't about happy endings As the film tapers to a close, Joel is steering his boat – the Alexa, named for his daughter with ex-wife Christie Brinkley – with a cigar in his mouth and his eyes focused on the water of Oyster Bay.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for taper
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
There were little white triangles running down the reddish-brown side of its furry body, like insignia on the side of a warplane; all tapering down to a sharp end that looked like a stinger.
—Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2025
The series peaks at 119,000 notes in January 2025 before tapering to 56,000 notes in May.
—Joe Murphy, NBC news, 6 June 2025
Billy Joel knows life isn't about happy endings As the film tapers to a close, Joel is steering his boat – the Alexa, named for his daughter with ex-wife Christie Brinkley – with a cigar in his mouth and his eyes focused on the water of Oyster Bay.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for taper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taper
Verb
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Once the killing subsided, a desperate search began to find a way to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.—
Oona A. Hathaway,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
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The program’s vehicles were rentals and will be returned to vendors as the program subsides.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2025
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Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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In recent weeks, Trump has rolled back some of his steepest levies, easing costs imposed upon companies and alleviating concern about a sharp surge of inflation.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
27 June 2025
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Ultimately, mastering this approach not only enhances your sales performance but positions your company among the industry's top-tier, significantly easing future recruitment and fueling sustainable growth.—
Ryan Hohman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Amazon and other tech companies have also been shrinking their workforces through rolling layoffs over the past several years.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
1 July 2025
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This time limit shrinks to 1 hour if the mercury rises to 90°F or higher, according to the USDA.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
Verb
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LeBron James already opted in to a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers for next season, the Rockets traded for Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers saw James Harden decline his option in return for a new deal and a raise.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
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Three players ultimately declined to participate this time around: Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
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In the footage, the wooden wall can be seen falling forward with a thud, while two vertical cables hang behind, apparently slack.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
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Cumulative profits at major industrial firms fell 1.1% in the first five months of 2025, compared to a year earlier, the data showed.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Taper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taper. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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