Synonyms of wilt

wilt

verb

ˈwilt 

1

as in to droop

to be limp from lack of water or vigor

the plants wilted after I forgot to water them for three whole days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• droop
• hang
• sag
• fall
• subside
• loll
• flag
• collapse
• slump
• crumple
• swag
• drop
• sink
• slouch
• yield
• cave (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stiffen
• distend
• rise
• straighten
• unbend
• uncurl

2

as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor

she had wilted a bit after walking around the hot and humid city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fade
• weaken
• sag
• go
• fail
• wither
• sink
• droop
• decay
• deteriorate
• languish
• lag
• waste (away)
• flag
• emaciate
• rot
• yield
• wear out
• break down
• degenerate
• run down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• recover
• recuperate
• rally
• rebound
• gain
• convalesce

3

as in to dry

to lose liveliness, force, or freshness

after six solid hours of painting, his energy was starting to wilt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dry
• fade
• wither
• shrivel
• wane
• diminish
• decrease
• mummify
• decline
• wizen
• lessen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• revive
• flourish
• thrive
• bloom
• freshen
• grow
• prosper
• increase
• develop
• wax
• peak
• surge
• crest

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of wilt

One of the examples given in the article shows a user asking to use baby spinach instead of kale, with the Cooking app feature advising that because baby spinach wilts faster, it should be added during a later step of the recipe. — Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio campaigned on ending the rides on day one of his administration but the effort wilted amid a backlash from unions and a big media blitz involving actor Liam Neeson. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

There are years of desire, wilting in silence, or the frenzied rhythm of regret. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Manning holds the football too long, makes questionable decisions and seems to wilt when the pressure intensifies. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026