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
-
In all these books, animals serve as mirrors, reflecting our personal and societal shortcomings and shame, our hubris, anxiety, and moral failings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Shortly after the theft, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu accused the Drents Museum of security failings—a claim the museum rejected—amid mounting threats of legal action against the Dutch.—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
9 June 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
-
Or, dry towels on an outdoor clothesline or drying rack.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
The lefty was fading in his fourth inning.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
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
-
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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For example, stopping antidepressants or anxiety medication can lead to severe worsening of the condition or potentially dangerous withdrawals.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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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
Verb
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These include the Triple Collagen Cream from Medicube, which features a blend of shea butter, elastin, and collagen to firm and lift sagging skin.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
8 June 2026
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During my thirties, sagging skin wasn’t really an issue for me.—
Leah Groth,
InStyle,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withering. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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