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
The upper gradually tapers away toward the back of the foot, leaving the heel exposed in an easy-on mule style.
—
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
The snow Friday tapers a bit in the early evening before ramping up in the overnight hours into Saturday morning.
—Lauren Whitney, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025
What Happens Next Industry analysts predict that gas prices may continue to dip as refineries complete maintenance and fuel demand tapers further during the winter months.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
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
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
The snow Friday tapers a bit in the early evening before ramping up in the overnight hours into Saturday morning.
—Lauren Whitney, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025
What Happens Next Industry analysts predict that gas prices may continue to dip as refineries complete maintenance and fuel demand tapers further during the winter months.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tapers
Verb
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Prescribed medication is used to manage discomfort, which usually decreases noticeably after the first week.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Mariners traversing the bar are urged to exercise extreme caution or stay in port until the threat subsides.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The driver was safely rescued, but their vehicle will stay in the flooded roadway, between the road closures, until the water subsides.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But those long hours sitting at a desk, commuting by car or public transport, and spending leisure time in front of screens also diminishes opportunities for the legs to be challenged.—
Desireé Oostland,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Smart spending feels soothing as the emotional Moon eases your 2nd House of Cash, collaborating with powerful Pluto in your 4th House of Nostalgia.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Cold weather eases just a bit ahead of another strong cold front on Saturday.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This is tied to a low‑hire, low‑fire labor market, the rapid automation of entry‑level roles, and a tech industry whose workforce is getting older as Gen Z’s presence shrinks.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Antarctic Ozone hole shrinks The ozone hole over Antarctica has shrunk to its fifth-smallest size in more than three decades, according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Worse, the tariff burden is a regressive tax that falls hardest on lower-income households and small businesses with less bargaining power.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
There’s nothing as cozy as snuggling up in front of the fire while snow falls peacefully outside.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As Gustav aims to work his way back into their lives, Nora retreats into isolation as her mental health increasingly declines.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Conversely, declines in the short-term interest rate partially mitigated the overall rise in payments.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tapers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapers. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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