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
Paula Newton, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
And Vrabel, under withering criticism for his relationship with NFL insider Dianna Russini for going on two months now, gets a welcome change to the conversation.
—Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Fortunately, the emotional spar fest between the queen of withering glares and snippy comments — award winner Allison Janney — and the onstage king of stammering self involvement — Andrew Rannells — clicks in director/writer Jim Rash dramedy debut.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
What becomes clear is that Yesteryear is not actually the withering critique of faux-trad influencers it’s been marketed as.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for withering
Verb
Months of withering brutal weather gave way to soccer abandon on the turf, as two of Ottawa’s best junior teams clashed in the sunlight.
—Paula Newton, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
And Vrabel, under withering criticism for his relationship with NFL insider Dianna Russini for going on two months now, gets a welcome change to the conversation.
—Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Fortunately, the emotional spar fest between the queen of withering glares and snippy comments — award winner Allison Janney — and the onstage king of stammering self involvement — Andrew Rannells — clicks in director/writer Jim Rash dramedy debut.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
What becomes clear is that Yesteryear is not actually the withering critique of faux-trad influencers it’s been marketed as.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for withering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withering
Noun
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The director explains that there’s a very real weight stigma that exists in society and that due to that it’s often suggested that being in a larger body is somehow a moral failing.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
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Mary disrupts Clark’s equilibrium with the Backrooms by refusing to validate his excuses for his behavior, fully calling out his failings, his petty assholery, and his glib, solipsistic lies.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Available in red or navy, the sandals are adjustable for comfort with quick-drying straps so water isn't an issue, and the sole was crafted to grip river rocks so slipping is never an issue.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
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Or, dry towels on an outdoor clothesline or drying rack.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The lefty was fading in his fourth inning.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2026
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The era of checklist sightseeing is fading.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
Noun
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It was closed in 1994 due to deterioration, and Kansas City residents passed a limited-run sales tax to support the building's restoration in 1998.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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Jim argued the recent weakness has more to do with market dynamics than any deterioration in Nvidia's business.—
Alexa LoMonaco,
CNBC,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Swathe greens, herbs, and other veggies in damp paper towels to retain moisture levels and keep the produce from wilting.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
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Don't always assume a wilting plant is dehydrated.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
30 May 2026
Verb
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In conclusion, autonomous AI risks undermining the essential human spirit of science and weakening its role as an arbiter of social conflicts.—
Mohammad Hosseini,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
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Critics argue the measures risk worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis on the island without meaningfully weakening the government.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
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People with postexertional malaise, the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion, may be at a higher risk for adverse effects from the therapy, Faghy and Putrino point out.—
Clarissa Brincat,
Scientific American,
1 June 2026
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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
Verb
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And a photo attached to a city inspection conducted just days before the collapse for a pending litter case showed the exterior of the building apparently in poor condition with the roof visibly sagging.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
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Morale among the men was sagging, as well.—
Janis Mackey Frayer,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withering. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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