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

Electric vehicle technology gets better even as demand for battery-powered cars wanes.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Life waxes and wanes between peace and tumult, elation and despair.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

Poland's government on Tuesday moved to phase out assistance for Ukrainian refugees put in place when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, as public support for the aid wanes.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

‘Gondor wanes, you say. But Gondor stands, and even the end of its strength is still very strong.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien