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
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Interest in the president's addresses then wanes over time.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2026
The energy will change as the night wanes.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
If immunity wanes over time — which appears to occur with mumps to some extent — individuals vaccinated in early childhood may have reduced protection as young adults.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Interest in the president's addresses then wanes over time.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2026
The energy will change as the night wanes.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wanes
Verb
-
While a panic attack subsides eventually, the anxiety-like feeling that precedes a heart attack won’t go away and may even increase in intensity over time.—
Nadine Avola,
Flow Space,
19 Feb. 2026
-
As investor panic subsides, these software names should get interest from traders, according to Pettit.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
16 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.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Andrew has moved to a property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, while Sarah’s whereabouts are unknown—although she has been rumored to be everywhere from the French Alps to the United Arab Emirates to wellness retreats in both Switzerland and Ireland.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Before the Bride elbows her way into his life, Frank, ever so lonely, retreats into the world of movies.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Some said Adebayo’s night diminishes sports history.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
After posting the fastest sales growth among major automakers in Europe last year, Renault’s performance has fallen off a cliff in 2026, with stark declines in several markets in January and February.—
Albertina Torsoli,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Saudi Aramco’s shares rose the most in more than two years as investors bet that the rise in oil prices could offset declines in exports, Bloomberg reported.—
Amena Bakr,
semafor.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The waste that vanishes from coastlines and shipping lanes doesn’t vanish at all.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Mar. 2026
-
In biology, a Lazarus species is one that vanishes from the fossil record or from scientific observation for a prolonged period, only to turn up alive later.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
9 Mar. 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 15 Mar. 2026.
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