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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fading
to lose bodily strength or vigor
if he's left on his own, he'll just wither and die
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in failing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 withering
Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
Across the album, Khamari gets introspective regarding withering romances, crises of faith and the frustrating allure of distance.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025
Reports suggest the Nissan Versa is being double-teamed by low profit margins and a withering demand for entry-level sedans.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Continue reading … ON THE DECLINE – Mamdani warns of 'withering faith' in democracy to deliver for working class.
—FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for withering
Noun
During a tough year for local restaurants, at a time when even upscale spots are withering in the cruel Miami summer, George’s stands out as a spot that truly is a community magnet.
—Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
Across the album, Khamari gets introspective regarding withering romances, crises of faith and the frustrating allure of distance.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025
Reports suggest the Nissan Versa is being double-teamed by low profit margins and a withering demand for entry-level sedans.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Continue reading … ON THE DECLINE – Mamdani warns of 'withering faith' in democracy to deliver for working class.
—FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for withering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withering
Verb
-
There is a self-cleaning system, and the electronic drying function prevents water from pooling on your countertops.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Once the washing is done, the drying system circulates warm air – 110 °F (43 °C) – through carpet fibers, drying up to 400 sq ft of carpet in around two hours.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The fading crowd audio under Magic Johnson’s speechless.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Because of it, their once-fading playoff chances suddenly look like a sure thing.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Hamilton, convinced that salvaging his fiscal reputation required him to air his personal failings, published a lengthy tract, baring all.—
Jane Kamensky,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
-
However, whatever his scholarly failings, Thorkelín had at least been responsible for two transcripts of the poem, and, as the manuscript itself had continued to deteriorate, chiefly by flaking of the brittle margins, these were a valuable record of the original.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Into the mix are their best friends, lawyer Barry (Andy Samberg) and his wife Amy (Kate McKinnon), who mostly are observers of the wilting Roses but with just the right touch of sympathy and advice.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Use an ice cube tray to freeze lemon juice, wilting herbs, and even red wine, all of which are perfect additions to your home cooking.—
Gia Mora,
Treehugger,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Previously the billionaire banker has warned the American economy is weakening, saying in September following a measly jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that whether that weakness spills into economic contraction remains to be seen.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The tariffs inadvertently advantage Asia and other offshore producers by weakening textile and apparel supply chains in the Western Hemisphere.—
Kimberly Glas,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Americans have this year grappled with elevated inflation, as well as a deterioration of the job market and a broader weakening of the nation’s economic outlook.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The median age of survival since 1970 is 29 years and, while there is no cure and physical deterioration is inevitable, advancements in care have lengthened life expectancy.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
8 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
-
This typically helps prevent sagging or dipping in the middle.—
Kristi Kellogg,
Architectural Digest,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Prompt vet care is crucial to relieve pain, prevent worsening, and protect your cat’s vision.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Meanwhile, about 37% of those taking Wegovy saw improvement in liver fibrosis and no worsening of their MASH, compared to 22% in the placebo group.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Withering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withering. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share