WANE Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'wane' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of wane are abate , ebb , and subside . While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive. // waning enthusiasm

Q: When could 'abate' be used to replace 'wane'?

The words abate and wane can be used in similar contexts, but abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing. // the storm abated

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ebb' instead of 'wane'?

While in some cases nearly identical to wane , ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes. // the ebbing of daylight

Q: Where would 'subside' be a reasonable alternative to 'wane'?

The meanings of subside and wane largely overlap; however, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation. // the protests subsided after a few days

wane 1 of 2

verb

ˈwān

Definition of wane

as in to subside

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually in the course of the evening the storm steadily waned

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wane

2 of 2

noun

as in ebb

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How is the word wane distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of wane are abate, ebb, and subside. While all these words mean "to die down in force or intensity," wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive.

waning enthusiasm

When could abate be used to replace wane?

The words abate and wane can be used in similar contexts, but abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing.

the storm abated

When is it sensible to use ebb instead of wane?

While in some cases nearly identical to wane, ebb suggests the receding of something (such as the tide) that commonly comes and goes.

the ebbing of daylight

Where would subside be a reasonable alternative to wane?

The meanings of subside and wane largely overlap; however, subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation.

the protests subsided after a few days

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of wane

Verb

With all the focus on the wildlife corridor, which does not reach Southeast Florida, legislature attention has waned from the 2000s era state land conservation program. — Alex Harris, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Deregulation Though Robinson-Patman is still on the books, enforcement waned in the 1970s as the growing influence of Chicago School economists led a shift toward deregulation. — Michelle Miller, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

Noun

Second-term presidents typically see their power and influence wane during their last two years, particularly if their party suffers big midterm defeats. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Movie genres wax and wane over time in a way that can be borderline imperceptible. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wane

Verb

This means rough surf, beach erosion, and coastal flooding will slowly subside at the beaches through the weekend.

— Steven Sosna, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Goldman Sachs also found that hedge funds sold tech stocks at a record pace last week, suggesting future selling pressure may subside.

— Sean Conlon, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of subside

Noun

The number of swing House seats nationally—already at a low ebb—could shrink to as low as the teens, insulating most members of Congress from routine electoral accountability.

— Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Elias said voters will see the role of good governance and nonprofits that have played a prominent role in preelection litigation ebb as candidates and their parties take on a more central role in cases specific to individual races.

— Eric McDaniel, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ebb

Verb

Members of Congress could be expected to resist presidential encroachments because those encroachments diminished their own power.

— Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
In theory, such an arrangement diminishes the cells’ ability to transport oxygen from the lungs.

— D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminish

Noun

But over the past year, the company has seen its share price decline by approximately a third, largely due to rising costs.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
The decline was among the most noteworthy changes in polling about the November ballot, PPIC poll director Mark Baldassare told The Sacramento Bee.

— Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

Her priorities include lowering costs by expanding Medicaid, fully funded pre-kindergarten and decreasing property taxes in a sustainable way.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
Taurine is a checkpoint of inflammation Dixit expected that taurine levels might decrease with age.

— Kristel Tjandra, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

Chief Financial Officer Shiv Verma told CNBC event contracts on crypto movements did well in the quarter, offering investors another way to express a view on crypto despite the slump in prices and spot trading.

— Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
There's a kernel of truth to it; Ohtani was clearly limited by several injuries down the stretch, with a lengthy slump accompanying an increase in chase rate and swing and miss.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

Soto then dealt with cancer treatment and went into remission, only to have to endure treatment again.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Some people experience a rollercoaster of relapses and remissions; others see the disease steadily progress, eventually leading to serious disability.

— Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of remission

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“Wane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wane. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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