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petering out

NOUN
ebb
Synonyms
STRONG
abatement backflow decay decrease degeneration depreciation deterioration diminution drop dwindling flagging lessening recession reflux retreat shrinkage sinking slackening subsidence sweep wane waning weakening withdrawal
WEAK
fading away going out low tide low water outward flow refluence retrocession retroflux
Antonyms
STRONG
advance development enlargement expansion growth improvement increase
WEAK
flow incline rise

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.

U.S. natural gas futures rose with the likely final cold spell in the northern U.S. seen petering out in the next few days and the market waiting for hot weather to lift demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

So far, it seems that most, if not all, human H5N1 cases have involved the virus jumping from animals but petering out before spreading to others.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2024

Their season is in danger of petering out.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2024

The outburst lasted for about four months before petering out.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2024

Through the windows I see the city lights, glowing now but petering out even as I look at them.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth