Synonyms of withering

withering 1 of 2

noun

as in failing

Related Words

• failing
• deterioration
• weakening
• wilting
• fading
• worsening
• sinking
• degeneration
• decline
• languishing
• wasting (away)
• regression
• relapse

Dissimilar Words

• recovery
• rehabilitation
• healing
• convalescence
• recuperation
• revival
• mending
• comeback
• rehab
• rally
• resuscitation
• survival
• snapback

withering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of wither

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

• drying
• fading
• wilting
• shriveling
• waning
• diminishing
• decreasing
• declining
• mummifying
• wizening
• lessening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reviving
• blooming
• growing
• increasing
• flourishing
• thriving
• prospering
• developing
• freshening
• waxing
• surging
• peaking
• cresting

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

• fading
• weakening
• sagging
• going
• failing
• decaying
• sinking
• drooping
• wilting
• languishing
• deteriorating
• lagging
• flagging
• wasting (away)
• emaciating
• rotting
• yielding
• wearing out
• degenerating
• breaking down
• running down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• recovering
• rallying
• gaining
• recuperating
• convalescing
• rebounding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of withering

Verb

Featuring tons of interviews from whistleblowers and ex-employees, this is a withering critique of capitalism that needs to be seen. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

No bear population, even one as obviously robust as the Southern one, could withstand the withering assaults of very many Colliers and his contemporaries. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

The whole supporting cast is great, but look out for Saskia Chana as Leila’s best friend Deniz, a fount of withering lines delivered with deadpan panache. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Nathan Hochman has been the subject of withering criticism from Mayor Karen Bass, former cops and even some of his own prosecutors. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Atlanta City Council is directing city departments to beef up efforts to protect residents from the growing threat of extreme heat after the city recently faced withering critiques from homeless services groups for its response to a recent heatwave. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Her essay is the quintessential death by a thousand withering cuts that is a noxious hallmark of academia. — ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026

But like Miranda, Erika, brought to vibrant life by Olivia Wilde, has a withering glare, a commanding presence and killer timing. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

Here’s how often to water your shrubs during a heat wave to keep them from withering. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 July 2026