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
The style features an exaggerated fit that balloons out from the hip before tapering at the ankle, creating a sculptural, banana-like silhouette, according to British Vogue.
—
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Many full-size van models also lack the necessary width for a transverse rear bed, tapering in toward the roof to cut width below what's necessary for a builder to install a transverse bed in the over-load floor space.
—New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
Employment peaked at 42,000 before tapering as the line itself grew more efficient.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
British star architect Shaun Killa designed the structure to resemble a luxury yacht pulling out of the harbor—smooth, elongated and tapering at both ends.
—Katharina Kotrba, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Plant the tallest items at the back of the bed, tapering down to the shortest ones at the front of the planting area closest to the walk.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Many full-size van models also lack the necessary width for a transverse rear bed, tapering in toward the roof to cut width below what's necessary for a builder to install a transverse bed in the over-load floor space.
—New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
Employment peaked at 42,000 before tapering as the line itself grew more efficient.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
British star architect Shaun Killa designed the structure to resemble a luxury yacht pulling out of the harbor—smooth, elongated and tapering at both ends.
—Katharina Kotrba, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Plant the tallest items at the back of the bed, tapering down to the shortest ones at the front of the planting area closest to the walk.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tapering
Verb
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Coaxing summer-flowering annuals to flower in fall is hit and miss as nutrient availability is dwindling and hours of daylight are decreasing.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
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The central bank is expected to start decreasing rates at its meeting next week after being on pause since December.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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By 2008, Americans were withdrawing, and combat deaths were subsiding to their lowest level since the start of the occupation.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
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The totals included two new records, coinciding with a subsiding Middle Tennessee heat wave.—
Andy Humbles,
The Tennessean,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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However, diminishing perceptions that a college education is very important have occurred relatively equally among both Republicans and Democrats, suggesting that other factors must also be at play.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The threat for heavy rain in South Florida is diminishing, however typical scattered thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours are still possible in the area through the weekend.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Economists like Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid and UBS’s Paul Donovan cautioned that while headline data supports easing, the details reveal more mixed pressures that Powell will need to weigh.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
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But when approached strategically, building muscle strength can be one of the most effective tools for easing discomfort and improving everyday function.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The negativity around Wilson wasn’t only about his declining physical skills.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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Still, there is some evidence click-throughs per search are declining.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This can be something forceful falling or pressing on the toe or twisting it in an awkward manner.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Borrowers aged 18 to 29 are also falling 90 or more days late on auto loans faster than older borrowers.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, cotton is prone to shrinking and fading in the wash.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
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In contrast, states with shrinking industries or out-migration trends have seen hours stagnate or fall.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tapering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapering. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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