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
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Sep. 2025
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For example, a few kids experience increased hyperactivity or irritability in the first couple of weeks, but that typically subsides within a month.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The big number arrives, characters emote, high notes ring and ring and ring again … and the aria subsides unmemorably, without leaving the ozone tang that signals a bolt of musical lightning.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
30 Sep. 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 Oct. 2025
-
But the sale also diminishes some hopes that Berkshire would buy Oxy in its entirety, potentially hurting the stock.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If Tylenol eases a pregnant woman’s severe headache, then preeclampsia is generally not the cause.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
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The two-minute clip eases audiences into the documentary's unique visual approach, which tells its story almost entirely through 911 calls and footage culled from body cameras worn by police officers.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kansas City’s win shrinks the second tier Major shakeups happened among second-tier contenders this week.—
Scott Phillips,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Wood shrinks over time, subfloors shift, and nails pop or detach.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Dalio also warned that the most misleading signals come near the top, where easy credit boosts spending, asset prices climb, unemployment falls.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
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And if the burden falls on local authorities, the global non-government organization (NGO) predicted annual costs could reach 200 million pounds (about $269 million) by 2035.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Fox News showed year-over-year viewership growth in the September ratings, while CNN and MSNBC saw significant audience declines.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
-
If either side declines to pick up their side of the option, as seems likely, Steer and the left-handed-hitting Will Benson could form a platoon in left field to replace Hays, with TJ Friedl in center and Noelvi Marte in right.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tapers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapers. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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