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
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
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
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
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 naturally stretches your torso and decreases pressure on the diaphragm on the side where the pain is.—
Sarah Klein,
Outside,
23 Feb. 2026
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
While a panic attack subsides eventually, the anxiety-like feeling that precedes a heart attack won’t go away and may even increase in intensity over time.—
Nadine Avola,
Flow Space,
19 Feb. 2026
-
As investor panic subsides, these software names should get interest from traders, according to Pettit.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the heartache eases, memories often heal and illuminate.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Chasteberry Tea Chasteberry tea eases PMS and boosts progesterone.—
Brandi Jones,
Verywell Health,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Not Carolyn, who shrinks even from Calvin’s attempt to document her elegant outfit — John’s button-down shirt tucked into a black skirt, a CBK classic — with a Polaroid.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
-
If other states mint new millionaires faster—through a tech boom (in California), an energy boom (in Texas), or real-estate inflation (in Florida)—New York’s slice shrinks regardless of migration.—
Christopher Marquis,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
March falls within the start of strawberry season, so what better way to honor the juicy fruit than to wear them on your nails.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
-
As the share of its imports coming from China falls and Southeast Asian countries pick up the slack, shipments are spending more days in transit time, bringing pressure from retailers to make that up at the docks.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Badgett added that vitamin D production may also decrease as kidney function declines with age, especially in older adults with chronic kidney disease.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The estrogen hormone naturally declines with age and when levels drop during menopause, symptoms can surge.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tapers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapers. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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