as in decreases
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 tapers
Its unusual shape is part boat prow, part clothing iron, thanks to a long, narrow triangular lot that tapers to a point at the southern end.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2025
Also, the relaxed fit that tapers around the ankle offers a leg elongating look that’s perfect for petites.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2025
Also, the relaxed fit that tapers around the ankle offers a leg elongating look that’s perfect for petites.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tapers
Verb
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Nobody was questioning it when Salah produced arguably his best season for the club to spearhead Liverpool’s title charge, but when the output decreases and opponents see that flank as a weakness, perceptions change.—
The Athletic's Liverpool staff,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
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Towing capacity decreases 1,000 pounds to, 4,000 pounds.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Mariners traversing the bar are urged to exercise extreme caution or stay in port until the threat subsides.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Oct. 2025
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Their base case assumes that recovery will resume once uncertainty subsides.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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When two parties are aware of a major issue that diminishes an asset and do not inform the third party of that asset, that’s strong grounds for a lawsuit.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Knowing and acting on her mom’s wishes eases the burden of last-minute decision-making and prompts Dowd to take early planning into her own hands.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
5 Nov. 2025
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The active noise cancellation eases low rumbles so commutes feel calmer.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Most studies show that when companies make pay more transparent, the gender pay gap shrinks.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
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Researchers believe as the lake shrinks, there is less room for dolphins, putting them at greater risk of collision with boats and ferries.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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So Nude pair falls neatly in line — proof that even in full-metal glamour, minimalism with an edge is having a very good year.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
9 Nov. 2025
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Sabrina Carpenter’s chart-topping Man’s Best Friend slips 5-6 on the latest Billboard 200 with 38,000 equivalent album units earned (down 8%), while Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving falls 6-7 (37,000, down 3%).—
Keith Caulfield,
Billboard,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Independent energy analyst Rachel Ziemba, who agrees major oil companies may hesitate, also notes that declines in the price of crude – the raw material for consumer products like gasoline – are often not fully passed on to consumers.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
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As Gustav aims to work his way back into their lives, Nora retreats into isolation as her mental health increasingly declines.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tapers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapers. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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