WITHERING Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

withering 1 of 2

noun

Definition of withering

as in failing

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Dissimilar Words

withering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of wither

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Verb

The truth was that all of it was, and is, simply withering away. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 Among the other Paris attractions to close amid the withering heat are Notre-Dame de Paris, which closed its towers earlier this week, and the Palais de Tokyo, which has shuttered its exhibitions entirely from June 22 through June 27. — News Desk, Artforum, 24 June 2026 Uzbekistan, playing in its first World Cup, was not intimidated by the big stage, weathering a withering Colombia attack in a 3-1 loss. — Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 Outnumbered over 10 to 1, the British volleys against them were withering, and again they were thrown back. — Paul Callahan, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2026 Brooke Lynn Heights can play the withering queen bee role she’s given in her sleep, while Marcia Marcia Marcia and Symoné prove amusingly bitchy lackies. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 9 June 2026 Rick Dolliver, a lobsterman who also runs a popular bar in the town, gave a withering verdict on the Democratic hopeful. — David Millward, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026 The Chanel suits, dark glasses, nasal voice and withering judgments became part of the national image. — ABC News, 6 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withering

Noun

Yet, for those failings, the Selecao found a way to come through on both occasions – mainly due to the in-game changes Ancelotti made.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of failing

Verb

Made from a quick-drying, breathable nylon fabric, these pants wick away sweat on a stuffy airplane or long hike.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
The toxins in the fungi, called amatoxins, cannot be removed by boiling, cooking or drying the mushrooms, and can result in liver failure and death if consumed.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of drying

Verb

Some hurricane windows can filter out up to 90% of ultraviolet rays, which protects your furniture, carpet, drapes and artwork from fading.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
The pattern is expected to prolong an unrelated existing marine heat wave off the coast of California, which otherwise would have been expected to start fading between October and December.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of fading

Noun

But nothing competes with the painful deterioration of her sight after contracting scarlet fever.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of deterioration

Verb

Unfortunately, hydrangeas are notorious for wilting quickly once cut, and keeping them looking fresh can prove difficult.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026
Underwatering Gardening expert Jen McDonald says that underwatering is the most common reason for petunias wilting.

— Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 27 June 2026

Definition of wilting

Verb

The German lender notes a growing divergence between the nation's weakening fiscal position and its thriving corporate balance sheets.

— Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 9 July 2026
The effect results in the typical east-to-west trade winds weakening or even sometimes reversing, allowing warmer water from the western Pacific to move eastward.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of weakening

Noun

While alcohol may transiently improve mood and ease social anxiety, long-term alcohol use can lead to a worsening of mood, cognition and sleep, which can further compound use.

— Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Limited evidence suggests that people with genetic deficiencies of CoQ10 who abruptly stop taking it can experience a worsening of kidney function.

— Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 16 June 2026

Definition of worsening

Verb

To fully stabilize the building, engineers may need to extend shoring 20 floors down to the foundation, and the sagging floors above.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Peptides and retinol help support collagen production, as well as smooth crow’s-feet and firm sagging skin.

— Daley Quinn, Glamour, 9 July 2026

Definition of sagging

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withered

withering

withers

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“Withering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withering. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of withering

noun

verb

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