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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Investor appetite for the retail giant has waned, especially as the Hong Kong stock market's IPO pipeline is dominated by AI and chip firms. — Sawdah Bhaimiya,justina Lee, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 The selection process — the second to be headed by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability — is unfolding as the city grapples with an unwelcome uptick in gun violence in the waning days of summer. — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Noun

As training camp progresses, a lot of different factors wax and wane. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2026 Dogs with chronic pancreatitis can have signs that wax and wane for months to years. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wane

Verb

Two of them coincide with areas where satellite radar shows that the ground is actively subsiding.

— Nolan Roth, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 2026
After the smoke subsided, residents reported feeling effects from the stench of rotting meat and food from the warehouse interior, where it had been stored frozen on tall racks that were hundreds of feet across.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of subside

Noun

These kinds of changes are likely to grow rather than ebb over the next decade as AI continues to revolutionize the way companies operate.

— Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Balancing full-time and part-time career goals The side hustle’s ebb-and-flow contrasts with the steady paycheck and cadence of her NASA job.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of ebb

Verb

As more money and attention flow into the space, the challenge is how to capitalize on the cultural cachet of the Grand Slams without diminishing what made that access desirable in the first place.

— Jessica Schiffer, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
And the Ku Klux Klan, though diminished from its earlier power, had not disappeared.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminish

Noun

That rapid decline makes the question of how coach Dan Campbell and the team rebound one of the most interesting in the entire league.

— NBC Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
The local enrollment declines are mostly concentrated in local districts’ elementary schools.

— Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

The researchers’ models suggest that areas near the escarpment could have lost as much as 8 kilometers of rock, with erosion decreasing farther away from the ancient cliff.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
An early positive working relationship has been struck with Ross Wilson, the sporting director, and the pair usually speak multiple times every day, although their volume of conversations may decrease slightly once the transfer window closes.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

The trip to hitter-friendly Mile High City, and a matchup against the last-place team in the NL West, came at the perfect time for the Dodgers, ending a collective slump.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
While the defense overwhelmed the Dolphins’ offense, with interceptions by Deonte Banks in 1-on-1 drills and Paulson Adebo in 11-on-11, Jaxson Dart snapped out of his slump.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of slump

Verb

The continent's sweltering summer has meanwhile boosted demand for air conditioning and other energy-hungry appliances at a time when demand for gas, widely used for Europe's heating and cooking needs, naturally falls.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The Oscar winner paired a leopard-print Givenchy fall 2026 dress and the fashion house’s modern take on T-strap high heels.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fall

Noun

Middleton announced her remission in early 2025 and gradually resumed her duties.

— Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
Between 70% and 80% of patients who complete a full course achieve a therapeutic response, according to Psychiatric Times, and roughly 40% reach clinical remission.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of remission

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“Wane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wane. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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