wilts

verb

present tense third-person singular of wilt
1
as in droops
to be limp from lack of water or vigor the plants wilted after I forgot to water them for three whole days

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2
as in fades
to lose bodily strength or vigor she had wilted a bit after walking around the hot and humid city

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dries
to lose liveliness, force, or freshness after six solid hours of painting, his energy was starting to wilt

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wilts When to Harvest Spinach Harvest spinach early in the morning when temperatures are cool and before the sun wilts the leaves, says gardening instructor Meg Austin. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 7 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wilts
  1. droops
  2. fades
  3. dries
  4. hangs
  5. weakens
  6. sags
  7. goes
  8. fails
Verb
  • Too thick of a mascara coat, and suddenly my gaze droops.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The cream should hold a soft, semi-sturdy peak that gently droops at the tip without collapsing entirely.
    — Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025
Definition of droops
Verb
  • As new variants emerge and immunity from prior exposure fades, conditions become more favorable for infection.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Copley agrees with this sentiment, noting that the scent of essential oils fades quicker if a room is too cold, drafty, or large.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of fades
Verb
  • This powerful, compact tool dries hair fast without heat damage.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As clay soil dries again, the remaining moisture becomes difficult for plants to access.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of dries
Verb
  • And in the entry a Jean Lurçat tapestry hangs above a BDDW console tattooed with flora and fauna.
    — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The fabric hangs loosely while still providing a flattering fit, flowing elegantly in the breeze on gusty fall days.
    — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of hangs
Verb
  • Siegel noted that measles weakens the immune system and increases the risk of pneumonia, which can stem from measles itself or from a secondary bacterial infection.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Employment has been a mostly resilient area of the economy even as stubborn inflation continues to squeeze businesses and households, while consumer confidence weakens.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakens
Verb
  • Unfortunately, using too little paint will leave patchy areas and harsh lines, and using too much paint will promote drips and paint that sags.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 6 July 2026
  • There is no scrapeable archive of how to grasp a wet cup, unload a box that sags in the middle, fold a towel, or help an older adult out of a chair.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of sags
Verb
  • Driving Experience The windscreen is brief to say the least, but airflow goes right over your head.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The movie goes big on the ‘80s tropes for laughs, including over-the-top costumes and era-specific references, but the love story at its heart is timeless.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of goes
Verb
  • Like eyes, ears and lungs, a person can live a relatively normal and active life if one organ in the natural set fails.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Kick the can If Congress fails to act, payments are expected to be 22% lower, which could be devastating for the millions of seniors who rely on their Social Security benefits to pay for basic necessities.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fails

Browse Nearby Words

wilting
wilts
wily
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Cite this Entry

“Wilts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wilts. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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