withering

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.

Civil rights activists in the South had a withering appraisal of the decision.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

Government forces would either have to expose themselves to withering attacks in an attempt to reclaim the territory or allow an ever-increasing area to come under dissident control and armed infiltration across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Sir Geoffrey said: "Both government and the BBC should seriously think about how the World Service's influence can be bolstered around the world, rather than risk its reach withering by degrees year on year."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Both speak to the effectiveness of “It Was Just an Accident,” a withering critique of the cruelty and corruption of an authoritarian regime.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

Lenin, when he published State and Revolution just two months before the October 1917 revolution, genuinely believed that a communist revolution would lead to the rapid withering away of the state.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton