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.

As the summer wanes, Jean’s fixation on David grows.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 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

Nvidia has been stuck in a monthslong pattern of range-bound trading as enthusiasm for the artificial-intelligence trade in general wanes.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 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

I spot my face on one, but the ink waxes and wanes, changing too quickly for me to read it and know my fate.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton