wanes

VERB

diminish, lessen

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abate atrophy decrease die down die out dim dwindle ebb fade peter out shrink slacken subside taper off weaken wither

STRONG

decline drop fail fall moderate relent sink

WEAK

die away draw to a close ease off fade away fall short let up slack off waste away wind down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

brighten develop enhance enlarge expand extend grow increase rise strengthen

STRONG

ascend go up reach win

WEAK

raise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If the passion wanes, apathy can set in.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Although their popularity waxes and wanes like everything else, stories inspired by biblical texts have had a consistent presence on TV and film since the industry’s dawning.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

But as tech’s contribution to earnings growth wanes, so too may its dominance.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

So far Caterpillar has refrained from acquiring or building new factories that increase the risk of having too much capacity if generator demand wanes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

Every now and then the sharp pain wanes to an ache.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart