as in decreasing
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 tapering
And the 2026 Lancet Psychiatry network meta-analysis of 76 trials found abrupt discontinuation of any antidepressant carried meaningfully higher relapse risk than slow tapering with psychological support.
—
Jonathan Slater, STAT, 13 May 2026
In its final form, though, the change — 8 to 10 feet closer in the corners with the gaps tapering toward a still 410-foot centerfield — certainly doesn’t appear overwhelming.
—Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
The virus peaked sharply in January and remains elevated in early March, although the seasonal winter wave is now tapering.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
By tapering the metal base, the setting reduces visible metal and allows more light to reach the stone.
—Malana Vantayler, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Predawn temps will settle into the upper 40s and low 50s, which is ideal for runners squeezing in their final long training run before tapering in preparation for next weekend’s Austin Marathon and Half Marathon.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
After tapering any doomscrolling habits, focus some of your newfound energy on the good by joining a charity, dance class or nature walk routine.
—Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Gradually tapering your dose can help, doctors say.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Inflation hit a two-year high in January 2025, before tapering down over the course of the year.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
Jonathan Slater, STAT, 13 May 2026
In its final form, though, the change — 8 to 10 feet closer in the corners with the gaps tapering toward a still 410-foot centerfield — certainly doesn’t appear overwhelming.
—Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
The virus peaked sharply in January and remains elevated in early March, although the seasonal winter wave is now tapering.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
By tapering the metal base, the setting reduces visible metal and allows more light to reach the stone.
—Malana Vantayler, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Predawn temps will settle into the upper 40s and low 50s, which is ideal for runners squeezing in their final long training run before tapering in preparation for next weekend’s Austin Marathon and Half Marathon.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
After tapering any doomscrolling habits, focus some of your newfound energy on the good by joining a charity, dance class or nature walk routine.
—Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Gradually tapering your dose can help, doctors say.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Inflation hit a two-year high in January 2025, before tapering down over the course of the year.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tapering
Verb
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As chairman, Cassidy has had several clashes with the White House over confirmations, including for Kennedy due to his support for decreasing the number of vaccines children receive.—
Gabrielle M. Etzel,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2026
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San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced an overall 4% decrease, and unsheltered homelessness decreasing by 22% since the 2024 count.—
Robin Epley,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Breezy winds return on Tuesday after subsiding somewhat on Monday.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
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But there were no signs that the conflict was subsiding.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Section Two of the Voting Rights Act was written to prevent diminishing the voting power of racial minorities by packing them into one district or spreading them out across many districts.—
Sarah Clifton,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
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Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies have kept many of the same players on the roster since the team’s 2022 run all the way to the World Series, though the returns have been diminishing.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Georgia governor has signed a bill that expands the state’s medical cannabis program, easing access to cannabis vapes and removing the THC potency cap.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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Although such people live within commuting distance of Chicago and were encouraged to work remotely, some might relocate to less costly rural housing, easing housing shortages and lowering prices.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Black Bear officials cited the program's declining participation rates and finances as the reason.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Sadly, bat populations are declining rapidly in North America.—
The Conversation,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The magnificent luminosity of the orbs announced their arrival, their glow falling unfamiliar against windowpanes, which drew the people to the street.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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The mismatch between workers and available jobs—a key barometer of labor market stress—has actually improved since that moment, falling below its pre-pandemic level.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Tatcha’s silky gel formula transforms into a lush lather with a little water, shrinking the appearance of pores and laying the foundation for sunscreen and makeup or your nighttime skin-care routine.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
20 May 2026
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As Betty Boop became more popular, Natwick revised his design to swap the character’s floppy dog’s ears for bangle earrings and shrinking her nose.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tapering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapering. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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