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
There was also some speculation on Tuesday that a pause in construction for a data center in Wyoming may be a signal that overall demand for AI capacity may be tapering.
—
Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 June 2026
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
Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tapering
Verb
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Others primarily improve quality of life, extend survival or delay complications without necessarily decreasing total lifetime healthcare expenditures.—
Jeffrey Wessler,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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Orbán hopes the Patriots for Europe will be a vehicle for transforming the EU to his vision, for example, by decreasing the bloc’s purview in matters of rule of law and democracy, taking a zero-tolerance approach to immigration and steering toward deeper cooperation with Russia and China.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The afternoon started tough until the wind kept subsiding, and players began taking aim at flags.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
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Weather service and public safety officials said the safest thing to do is to stay away from the beaches altogether until the southern swells start subsiding.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Not even a hint of repercussions for diminishing the integrity of the event.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
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The 23-page analysis also pointed to escalating public health and social services costs, declining investments in capital improvements and an outsized reliance on state and federal tax dollars as drivers of the county’s diminishing financial health.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2026
Verb
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While potentially easing grid access for AI companies, this directive intensifies pressure on state and local governments.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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Pittsburghers for Public Transit says the Parkway North corridor is key for moving people efficiently and easing traffic.—
Chris Hoffman,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Factors such as declining birth rates and families moving out of the city are contributing to declining enrollment at Denver Public Schools.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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While one in three students nationwide experienced chronic absenteeism during the 2021-2022 academic year, the rate is declining, from up to 30% to roughly 24% by the start of the past school year, according to estimates from the Return 2 Learn tracker reviewed by ABC News.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The aim is to prevent the level of pensions from falling and ward off the need for a big long-term increase of the levy employees pay into the pension system.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 June 2026
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Low temperatures will remain warm and humid, falling only into the upper 70s.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Verb
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As Variety explored at length in a cover story last year, this group of filmmakers have been marginalized in a post-streaming world of shrinking budgets.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
17 June 2026
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The window is closing Lawmakers still have options, but the menu is shrinking fast.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tapering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapering. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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