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 next

as in to subside

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Those criticisms waned over time. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 But interest in that format waned as defense and effort became increasingly sparse, and the game hit rock bottom in 2024 when the East beat the West, 211-186. —

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026

Noun

As consumer interest has appeared to wane, other factors have further complicated the landscape, Li said. —

Keith Laing, USA Today, 21 Jan. 2026 Slow start defensively The Horned Frogs entered Big 12 play with a top-25 defense, but the step up in competition has seen the defense’s effectiveness wane during the four-game skid. —

Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wane

Verb

Pielmeier expects the conditions to subside in much of Switzerland over the course of next week, once the new snow has stabilized, except in the south of the country where less snow has fallen.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
While tensions over Greenland have subsided for now, the infighting has seriously undercut the ability of the world’s biggest security alliance to deter adversaries.

— Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026