wane 1 of 2

wane

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noun

Synonym Chooser

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
Unlike other parts of the country where the intensity of war waxes and wanes, eastern Ukraine has known no respite from the thud of artillery, the roar of missiles, and the hum of drones. Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 May 2025 During the solar cycle, the number of sunspots waxes and wanes. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
The blockbuster dolls quickly filled the void left by the waning popularity of the Bratz line. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025 Russia intensified its air assault against Ukraine Friday night, days after the United States froze an air defense shipment due to waning weapons stockpile. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wane
Verb
  • Once the shock subsided, Wiley realized what an unusual and humorous experience this is.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Some victims say that grief is hitting them harder now that the acute crisis has subsided.
    James Rainey Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Optimism is clearly at a low ebb ahead of the new campaign and a sizeable 50 per cent of respondents are not hopeful at all ahead of the new season, while 38.9 per cent are not very hopeful.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • This latest ebb in foreign funding fits into a broader pattern that Sierra Leone, and other countries, have grappled with for decades, Mara Kardas-Nelson reports.
    The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • On the plus side a decline in auto prices is expected as the demand is now lower after the strong buying in March and April.
    Tom Aspray, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Policy journals brim with articles about American decline and the advent of multipolarity.
    Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The enhanced subsidies started during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Biden administration and helped dramatically decrease the cost of premiums for these plans.
    Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 18 July 2025
  • There isn’t an income ceiling, but the percentage gradually decreases as income rises.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • But the longest slump of his career just keeps getting longer.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • But conversations with second baseman Nolan Tucker, a 2019 Hanover Central graduate who was an All-Big East second-team selection after leading Xavier with a .339 batting average, helped Misch shake off that slump.
    Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, property tax bills could fall as a result of lower property values—at least in the short-term.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
  • Despite hitting a significant low in new HIV cases, the burden of HIV/AIDS still falls disproportionately on communities of color.
    Olusimbo Ige, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Diabetes remission was achieved by 90% of those in the water group compared with 45% of those in the diet drink group.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
  • Diabetes remission means maintaining an hA1C (blood sugar) level below 6.5 percent for at least three months without taking medications that help lower glucose.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wane. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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