as in subsides
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
in the course of the evening the storm steadily waned
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Recent Examples of wanes
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Procter & Gamble is selling diapers made with silk fibers in China as part of the company's strategy to entice shoppers to spend more, even as demand for some of its products wanes.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
When monitoring wanes and enforcement fades, workers pay the price first in wages and safety, then in silenced voices and must choose between an empty stomach and their rights.
—Tharo Khun, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Protection from flu vaccine wanes in the months after vaccination, so studies conducted later in the season might show different levels of effectiveness.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 6 Jan. 2026
Because protection wanes, people need a new flu shot every season.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 31 Dec. 2025
The offensive rebounds pile up, the defensive intensity wanes a bit and momentum can swing just like that.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
The most infectious diseases against which immunity wanes the fastest will be first.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
At this point, the sun’s polar magnetic field switches direction, and after that, its activity wanes back down to a minimum before starting the whole process over again.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
The movie follows Pastor Hélder, who, as his faith wanes, turns to witchcraft and sacrifice to reclaim it.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Procter & Gamble is selling diapers made with silk fibers in China as part of the company's strategy to entice shoppers to spend more, even as demand for some of its products wanes.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
When monitoring wanes and enforcement fades, workers pay the price first in wages and safety, then in silenced voices and must choose between an empty stomach and their rights.
—Tharo Khun, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Protection from flu vaccine wanes in the months after vaccination, so studies conducted later in the season might show different levels of effectiveness.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 6 Jan. 2026
Because protection wanes, people need a new flu shot every season.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 31 Dec. 2025
The offensive rebounds pile up, the defensive intensity wanes a bit and momentum can swing just like that.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
The most infectious diseases against which immunity wanes the fastest will be first.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
At this point, the sun’s polar magnetic field switches direction, and after that, its activity wanes back down to a minimum before starting the whole process over again.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wanes
Verb
-
The burst of dopamine that triggers motivation simply subsides.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The right move right now is the one that buys you time, protects your credit as much as possible and gives you space to make clearer decisions once the panic subsides.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some readers may be old enough to remember the 1976 Bicentennial, which occurred during one of the city’s lowest ebbs and lifted everyone’s spirits.—
John Calvelli,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Skeptics will wonder about the timing of the new release, which the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced as public attention in politics ebbs and the holiday season hits its peak.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Lowering the sales tax 1% decreases the cost of all taxable purchases for all Texans.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The center often hosts lectures, meditations, and retreats as well.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
-
As his career expanded across continents, so did his real estate holdings—from historic London residences to discreet Tribeca apartments and sleek California retreats.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Major software stocks like Microsoft, Oracle, and Salesforce have seen significant declines from their recent highs.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Regional campuses have borne the brunt of declines.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The story is driven by siblings Codi (10) and Vera (15), still reeling one year after their mother Loren vanishes during a mysterious accident at her hi-tech lab.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
When Claire and Frank retreat to Inverness on holiday following the end of WWII, Frank spies the spectre of a Highlander staring up into Claire's window that abruptly vanishes.—
Amy Wilkinson,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
By simultaneously hitting three or more targets, these agents promise not only deeper responses but potentially longer remissions in some of the hardest-to-treat cancers.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wanes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wanes. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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