1
as in to dry
to lose liveliness, force, or freshness shortly after the moon landing, interest in the space program withered the old man seemed to wither suddenly upon turning 80

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2

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 wither Competition, however, has withered in American elections. Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Khrushchev sought to revive revolutionary elan and push the USSR to the final stage of history, the transition from socialism to communism, during which the state apparatus would finally wither away. Benjamin Nathans september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025 Both quarterbacks faced quality defenses and challenges in their own ways — Herbert with the withering pass rush and Nix with the frustrating Jesse Minter shells that keep everything in front and require a combination of patience and opportunism. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025 The buds and leaves that emerged in the premature warm weather freeze and wither. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wither
Verb
  • Its fast-yet-gentle drying power comes from Dyson’s patented Air Multiplier technology and intelligent heat control, which helps prevent damage while keeping noise to a minimum.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Let the balloon dry a full 24 hours before popping it.
    Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That legacy hasn’t faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
  • With spring bloomers like azaleas, wait to prune later in spring after the flowers have faded.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The pavements were peppered with deep puddles, and grassy areas wilted into mud.
    Fiona Mozley, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Jewell Loyd grabbed four offensive rebounds, with every extra possession mattering in a contest with such slim margins as the Fever refused to wilt.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But with her coalition prospects in doubt, and the party weakened by scandal and voter frustration, her route to Japan’s top job is far from assured.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Studies have found that, in some instances, background noise can weaken territorial responses in males.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Protests about immigration and sagging ticket sales were among the reasons cited for the move, according to sources.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The whole pumpkin begins to sag as gray hairs emerge from every opening.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Milwaukee rewarded him with a two-year, $11 million contract in July, and, with Damian Lillard gone, Porter is now the point guard, which was confirmed by Doc Rivers a few weeks ago.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • They Chiefs needed just five plays to go 97 yards for the TD.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Still down 20-17, the Razorbacks failed on fourth-and-5 from the Tennessee 25 later in the third quarter, and quarterback Taylen Green lost his second fumble of the game early in the fourth at the Arkansas 19.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The following year, several lawmakers were accused of failing to report income or disclose kickbacks, deepening public frustration.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wither. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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