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
Kerry Washington’s romantic high ponytail makes a stronger statement when paired with full fringe that tapers out to tendrils.
—
Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
However, the bill tapers down the amount that can be pulled from the Taxpayer Relief Fund to 75% of the spending gap in fiscal year 2027 and back to 50% in fiscal year 2028.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Broce said the agency tapers services such as behavior aides for potentially self-sufficient teenagers with judicial involvement.
—CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Renderings show a singular, slender tower, which subtly tapers towards its apex.
—Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Feb. 2026
Most mascara brushes seem to be getting chunkier, but Lash Latex features a notably slim brush that tapers toward the tip.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 28 Jan. 2026
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
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
Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
However, the bill tapers down the amount that can be pulled from the Taxpayer Relief Fund to 75% of the spending gap in fiscal year 2027 and back to 50% in fiscal year 2028.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Broce said the agency tapers services such as behavior aides for potentially self-sufficient teenagers with judicial involvement.
—CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Renderings show a singular, slender tower, which subtly tapers towards its apex.
—Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Feb. 2026
Most mascara brushes seem to be getting chunkier, but Lash Latex features a notably slim brush that tapers toward the tip.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 28 Jan. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tapers
Verb
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
This slightly decreases the total mass of objects in interplanetary space — the material and space between planets — while slightly increasing the masses of the planets themselves.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Fundamental advantages remain Analysts, however, remain cautiously optimistic if the conflict subsides within weeks.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
-
As the furor over the October 7th attack and the Gaza war subsides, such gatherings have become easier to organize, several Beth El members told me.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Before heading to the bathroom to begin her morning skin-care routine, Rose Ingleton eases into the day in her sunlit Brooklyn brownstone.—
Kaleigh Fasanella,
Allure,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Mallard even eases Vance into heaven, which lights up ethereally behind the door of what is normally the NCIS director's adjoining assistant's office.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
If the potential experiences net growth from the time the wave enters to the time the wave leaves, there’s an additional imprint of a net redshift; if the potential shrinks, there’s an additional imprint of a net blueshift.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
3 Apr. 2026
-
That’s because many airlines use dynamic pricing, which raises fares as demand increases and seat availability shrinks.—
Layla Melendez,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That means Easter Sunday never falls later than April 25.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2026
-
On shrill winter nights, Moscow’s power is conspicuous, its Orthodox cathedrals and Stalinist high-rises illuminated, though the view falls dim in the autumn and spring, shrouded in sheets of greige.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If the tech sector declines, the resulting drawdown can significantly reduce your base for withdrawals—at a point when there may be little time to recover.—
Doug Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
As access declines, downstream complications and costs will rise.—
Diego Schaps,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tapers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapers. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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