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

This tension unfolds with riveting restraint in a story set in 1960s Nagaland — the eastern Indian state on the Burmese border — following the principled chief of a waning tribe, and the arrival of an American missionary. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 The shoe waned in popularity around 2020, but has since made a resurgance, rediscovered by footwear lovers everywhere. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Noun

Movie genres wax and wane over time in a way that can be borderline imperceptible. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026 Perinatal mental health experts say the symptoms can wax and wane so they might initially be dismissed. — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wane

Verb

Chadchart said despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials are working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Moreover, DataTrek expects some of the pressure around data center development to subside.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of subside

Noun

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
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

Definition of ebb

Verb

Yes, that’s twice as many treatment options as the previous Series 2 mask—which means this pick is clinically proven to diminish the appearance of crepiness by stimulating collagen and elastin, as well as pigmentation concerns.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
Likewise, the failure to hire an effective leader for the Blockchain Association has diminished the industry’s influence in the Capitol.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of diminish

Noun

That was a sharp decline from the previous few years, when more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
But the new report, which also presents trends over the past decade, shows a decline in suicidal thinking and behaviors, which initially showed up in the 2023 YRBS data.

— Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

The Nebraska researchers also found that hafnia becomes more stable as its thickness decreases.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Rooms Since its 2023 renovation, the hotel’s capacity decreased from 104 rooms to just 80, made up of 44 rooms and 36 suites, all of which have gained a generous amount of space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

The latest update on consumer confidence from business group The Conference Board shows a slump in September.

— Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Retail sales slowed further, and the urban investment slump deepened in August, while industrial output rebounded on the back of exports.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

Her treatment included both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and after more than two and a half years of treatment, Adelynn received clear scans and entered remission.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Someone who hasn’t had any criteria for up to three months is in initial remission — three months to one year is early remission, one to five years is sustained, and more than five years is stable.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of remission

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“Wane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wane. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wane

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