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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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
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Recent Examples of withering
Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
After nearly a decade of uninterrupted growth, the days of multi-million-dollar, multi-year contracts with governmental entities and private companies are swiftly withering away.
—Big Think, 26 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, that dream quickly dies under the withering power of the influencer’s disdain for management.
—Caroline Framke, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
Since the money has dried up, that stability is withering away.
—Sophia Paffenroth Mississippi Today, Arkansas Online, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for withering
Verb
The ruling party played a secondary role compared to the presidency, withering away and not even meeting for years.
—Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
After nearly a decade of uninterrupted growth, the days of multi-million-dollar, multi-year contracts with governmental entities and private companies are swiftly withering away.
—Big Think, 26 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, that dream quickly dies under the withering power of the influencer’s disdain for management.
—Caroline Framke, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
Since the money has dried up, that stability is withering away.
—Sophia Paffenroth Mississippi Today, Arkansas Online, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for withering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withering
Noun
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Here are two clubs with huge histories and a modern malaise; two clubs with unhappy fans, owner issues, governance questions, unpopular managers, recruitment failings; two clubs who appear to have lost their ‘Way’.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
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Stephen Ross, the Miami Dolphins’ majority owner since 2009, is now looking for his eighth different head coach in a parade of floundering, flailing and failing.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Spanx elevates its plain T-shirt by making it out of a buttery-soft, stretchable fabric that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
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Vinegar can be drying, so remember to condition leather to keep it supple.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But her role as fading movie star Kay Stone in Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, opposite Timothée Chalamet, marks her grand return.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Jan. 2026
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The days of underground stashes and whispered conversations are fading fast.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Footage of the bunker’s deterioration has attracted global attention after Robinson and Charlton began posting videos online.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
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It is intended to slow the deterioration of streets that currently are in good condition, which is considered vital to improving the overall condition of San Diego’s network of roads, according to the city.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Most of the time, the reason your orchid's leaves are wilting is because of a problem with the roots, says Justin Kondrat, lead horticulturist at the Smithsonian Orchid Collection.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
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Yet there the Packers were in Chicago, wilting under the pressure of one yet again.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Milk, butter and cheese prices on the wholesale market and at grocery stores have decreased slightly due to oversupply and weakening consumer demand.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
9 Jan. 2026
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This suggests consumers enter 2026 with continuing concerns over high prices and weakening labor market conditions.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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According to Shah, the rise in gestational diabetes can be attributed to the worsening of health in young adults throughout the country.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
31 Dec. 2025
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In a series of stunning, large trials, researchers established that these drugs lowered blood glucose, delayed the worsening of kidney disease, and were strongly correlated with reduced risk of several cardiac conditions.—
Jyoti Madhusoodanan,
Scientific American,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Pull your stomach inward toward the spine and hold this position without sagging hips or arching your back.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
13 Jan. 2026
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The Fed has cut interest rates at each of its last three meetings, in an effort to shore up a sagging job market.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withering. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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