withers

Definition of withersnext
present tense third-person singular of wither
1
as in dries
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withers
Verb
  • This powerful, compact tool dries hair fast without heat damage.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As clay soil dries again, the remaining moisture becomes difficult for plants to access.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As new variants emerge and immunity from prior exposure fades, conditions become more favorable for infection.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Copley agrees with this sentiment, noting that the scent of essential oils fades quicker if a room is too cold, drafty, or large.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The use of noble language to describe a process that weakens constitutional guardrails only widens the disconnect between words and actions.
    Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The erosion of those countries’ industrial capacity ultimately weakens their ability to compete with and resist China economically, diplomatically, and militarily.
    Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately, using too little paint will leave patchy areas and harsh lines, and using too much paint will promote drips and paint that sags.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 6 July 2026
  • There is no scrapeable archive of how to grasp a wet cup, unload a box that sags in the middle, fold a towel, or help an older adult out of a chair.
    Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Cantlay is too far back to be an automatic qualifier, but getting to East Lake goes a long way toward being an easy pick.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • However, car safety goes way beyond just being behind the wheel.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Too thick of a mascara coat, and suddenly my gaze droops.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The cream should hold a soft, semi-sturdy peak that gently droops at the tip without collapsing entirely.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Withers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withers. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster