as in failing
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1
as in drying
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
as in fading
to lose bodily strength or vigor
if he's left on his own, he'll just wither and die
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Recent Examples of withering
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Vladimir Putin is losing the Russian people as the economy and his war machine go in reverse amid withering Ukrainian attacks.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Played to the ice-queen hilt by the divine Meryl Streep, Miranda’s withering glances and sarcastic putdowns continue to live on and get quoted, no matter the decade.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
Runway is going virulently viral for all the wrong reasons, and its editor, the legendary Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), is, for once, at a loss for a withering mot juste when her advertisers demand an explanation.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for withering
Verb
At a raucous commission meeting Tuesday, City Manager Rickelle Williams faced a storm of withering accusations in her initial job evaluation — mostly from Mayor Dean Trantalis, who eagerly supported hiring Williams last year but now scorns her in public.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Vladimir Putin is losing the Russian people as the economy and his war machine go in reverse amid withering Ukrainian attacks.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Played to the ice-queen hilt by the divine Meryl Streep, Miranda’s withering glances and sarcastic putdowns continue to live on and get quoted, no matter the decade.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
Runway is going virulently viral for all the wrong reasons, and its editor, the legendary Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), is, for once, at a loss for a withering mot juste when her advertisers demand an explanation.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for withering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withering
Noun
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Overall, other countries have already come up with strategies to address the failings seen in the US health system, including reducing healthcare costs, strengthening primary care, and addressing inequities.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2026
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The Return On Investment Women in leadership often see experiencing burnout as a personal failing.—
Nakisha Dixon,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The oak feels integrated rather than drying.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
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Durable, quick-drying pads ideal for training puppies or giving older pets a safe bathroom spot indoors.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Verb
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There had been concern that these houses would not appreciate at the same rate as traditional homes, but that appears to be fading.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
26 May 2026
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Even Nyro’s piano playing seems to shift in and out of focus, drawing our attention to the pregnant pause of a note fading in a quiet room.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
24 May 2026
Noun
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Once that protective layer is compromised, even minor openings can lead to ongoing water intrusion that causes leaks, wood damage, microbial growth and structural deterioration over time.—
David Nye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
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Membrane degradation, electrolyte deterioration and unnecessary stress on the electrolysis system all reduce asset value over time.—
Gregory Shahnovsky,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
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Their pinkish-purple blooms bring some vibrancy to the garden when everything else is wilting in the heat.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
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Beating the spotlight-wilting Maple Leafs was one thing.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Brooks Koepka, who rejoined the PGA Tour from LIV Golf in January, withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge at the last minute despite being originally scheduled to play, further weakening the field.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2026
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Second, some worry that some of the financial safeguards and market disciplines developed after previous crises may be weakening.—
Robert Ginsburg,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
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However, the incidents have contributed to a worsening of the mood around Madrid and should also be considered notable for that reason.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
5 May 2026
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The South Bay has been able to absorb thousands of layoffs yet still avoid a worsening of the jobless rate in the region, Hancock noted.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Trump’s sagging approval rating comes as Democrats have a chance at outperforming Republicans in midterms, with Emerson’s May poll showing Democrats with a 9-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot, though 9% of voters were undecided.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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Plus, sun damage can play a big role in sagging and lead to double chin lines—sometimes referred to as turkey neck.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Glamour,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withering. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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